Alex Riera

Alex Riera ’25 enrolled in Mercer County Technical School’s (MCTS) horticulture and turf care management program at the suggestion of her mother, who thought that it aligned well with her interests in nature and the outdoors. Riera, who will be graduating from the 2-year program in June, is now glad she enrolled.

“Taking care of plants or growing them… [it] does help you mentally. I’ve had an experience when we were planting tomato seeds, and we had these containers filling in the soil. I just remember it felt really satisfying,” said Riera.

The program prepares around 20 students annually for careers in landscape and agriculture industries — helping with everything from securing horticulture internships to technical skills.

“[We use] equipment like mowers, turf riders, string trimmers, weed whackers…we [also] identify plants and weeds…and how to get rid of them. And we’re introduced to different ways to get rid of them, like pesticides or using bugs, for example, [which] benefits the plants and is a better way of getting rid of them,” said Riera.

Riera’s favorite part, however, has been entering horticulture competitions and conventions around the state with a team of two other students from MCTS.

“[For] the Monmouth State convention, we had to do a [presentation] on soil pH, soil levels, and the importance of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). The first time I was introduced to it, I [thought] I would never [be able to] do it and I wouldn’t be able to memorize these scripts…[my instructor] was willing to help me through that and gave me a lot of time to practice. It’s something I never imagined I could do,” said Riera.

Riera only attends MCTS on Friday afternoons this year. In the morning Riera has classes at PHS, and in the afternoons (with the expectation of Friday) Riera is employed as a florist at McCaffrey’s as a part of MCTS’s internship program.

“It was a long process, but I got [the internship]. They make sure that the coordinator comes to check on me if everything’s okay [or] if I have any concerns. And I’m like, ‘No, I’m doing well. This is a great experience, and I’m very grateful to be in it,’” said Riera.

Riera is also involved in Future Farmers of America, an organization that supports education in agriculture. Riera developed the agenda for the organization’s 2024-25 programs and sold over 100 holiday wreaths with the organization.

This fall, Riera will enroll in Rutgers’ horticulture program, a dream that she says was made possible with the support of MCTS. In particular, she plans to explore her passion for horticulture therapy.

“I’ve had so many great experiences [at MCTS], and I’ve learned so much about horticulture,” said Riera. “In my [college] essay, I wrote about my experience at [MCTS]. It really made a huge impact on me.”

David Lux-Betata

David Lux Beteta ’26 is enrolled in three automotive programs at MCTS: Diesel Technology, Automotive Technology, and Auto Collision Technology. Through MCTS, he’s learned how to assess damage, repair vehicles, secure internships, and use tools and equipment found in real-world auto shops.

Beteta has been fascinated with cars since his childhood, and recalls deciding to go into the automotive industry after watching the Fast and Furious films as a child.

“You would think it gets frustrating… but it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, and I enjoy it. The rush of ideas in your head… just disappears, and you just kind of lock into the project that you’re doing — that’s what I found myself getting into,” said Beteta.

Beteta, like many oteer MCTS students, juggles both in-class instruction and a paid internship at a local auto shop, which he also receives school credit for.

“There’s a range from staying in the classroom — doing paperwork, [filling] orders — to in the shop, [where] we do things like den repairs, spraying primers using the paint booth, [and] sanding using pneumatic technology, which is air-driven technology,” said Beteta.

For the past few months, Beteta has been working on his project for the SkillsUSA championship, the final-stage of a year-long competition designed to showcase talented students from technical schools across the country. The competition requires students to design a project and complete various technical skills in front of a panel of judges.

“I made a custom snap-on toolbox. [I] did all these different custom designs, custom paint — everything,” said Beteta, “I worked from A to Z on the entire thing. The only thing that [my instructor] helped me on was the initial design, but the rest of it was completely my work that took about a month in total.”

Beteta credits MCTS for having both experienced, thoughtful instructors and an excellent environment. His program has around 20 people, which contributes to a tight-knit community.

“The people… have a lot of character [and] a lot of morals. On the first day, there was no awkwardness. It was like we already knew each other. We just went into it, started doing stuff. There was that excitement in the air,” said Beteta.

Beteta hopes that the instruction, internships, and hands-on learning from MCTS will prepare him for a career in automotive technology.

“I plan on going into the army, an then I’ll go into post secondary schooling... for technology, where I can learn both the business aspect of it and [bring] the automotive [knowledge],” said Beteta. “Hopefully, I can take a shot later on in life, have enough money, and completely fulfill my dream.”