Marcella Charles Casto, Assistant Principal At Mango Central High School

Vernon interviews Marcella Charles Casto, Assistant Principal and Career Technology Education Administrator at Mingo Central High, Vernon and Marcella the Simulated Workplace Program, other programs she administers at Mingo Central High School, and how cooperatives can be incorporated into the academic programs to further enhance them. The simulated workplace program is the brainchild of Kathy D'Antoni, assistant state superintendent of schools for the Division of Technical, Adult and Institutional Education, and it is going into its fifth year. Students must apply for a job, go through an interview, be subject to a random drug testing, and develop a portfolio of work projects and certifications. Ms. Charles Casto is dedicated to working with youth in this program. The program address common concerns that businesses have of today's youth. "Over the last three years, what we have heard from business and industry leaders is that kids don't understand customer service, they don't have a strong work ethic, and they don't understand real-world situations or processes," said Charles. "The purpose of this initiative is to change that.”