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CTEC students show off artistic side during fashion show

A 3D design student paints the backdrop ahead of a CTEC fashion show Thursday. (Courtesy/ Sina Zimmerman)

Cupcakes. Secret agents. A drone half-time show.

All that and more will be on display when students from Salem-Keizer’s Career Technical Education Center hit the runway Thursday night for the CTEC Extravaganza.

Titled “Starfield at the Nyx,” the fashion show features elements from each of CTEC’s departments from cosmetology to construction.

The school is a hub for high school juniors and seniors to learn career skills, with 10 programs including video game design and agri-science.

The free event takes place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at CTEC on 3501 Portland Rd. N.E.

On the runway, 150 models will dress in outfits related to an astrology theme. The auto body repair class painted panels that they’ll carry across the stage while dressed in “moon suits.”

Raina Robinson, a South Salem High School senior, is one of the cosmetology students that will help style the models before their debut.

On Thursday, she’s responsible for styling 12 models wearing a “zodiac” look.

Last year, only the cosmetology class participated in the fashion show, but this year CTEC teacher Kirsten Nies said students from each discipline pitched in.

The construction students build the runway, the 3D design students were responsible for lighting and backdrop and the law enforcement students will help direct traffic.

Cupcakes will be on sale thanks to the culinary class.

“Every time I turn around someone says: ‘Hey look what I did.’ And I’m like, ‘Yes, we can use that.’ And it’s so exciting,” Nies said.

Nies said Thursday’s show is a chance for the trade school students to show off their artistic side.

“They’re learning a ton,” she said. “What’s better than that, when kids are super engaged in being at school.”

Have a tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250 or [email protected].