Olson appointed to Governing Board of the CAVIAT CTED-Fredonia, County of Coconino, State of Arizona

Cory Olson

FREDONIA — On August 3, 2026, Cheryl Mango-Paget, Coconino Superinten­dent of Schools, ap­pointed Corrine (Cory) Olson to the Governing Board of the CAVIAT CTED representing Fredonia, County of Coconino. CAVIAT (Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology) is an Arizona Career and Technical Education District (CTED). It provides high school students with career training, industry cer­tifications, internships and dual-enrollment for college credit at no cost for tuition or books. Currently, Fredonia- Moccasin School offers Culinary Arts and En­gineering.

Industry partners are important to the program as it offers students opportuni­ties to step out of the classroom and into the real world. This allows students hands-on ex­periences and a better understanding of the job skills required for these careers. Techni­cal skills along with academic knowledge prepares students for life after high school, as well as future em­ployment and/or a suc­cessful transition to college, trade school or employment.

Says Cory, “I am grateful for the oppor­tunity to serve our com­munity as a member of the Fredonia-Moc­casin School Board. Throughout my life, I have been guided by a love of learning, a commitment to service, and a desire to help others reach their po­tential.

“I grew up on a multi-generation family farm in northern Minnesota, where I learned the value of hard work, re­sponsibility, resilience and helping neighbors. I also participated in a variety of sports dur­ing my school years, which taught me the importance of team­work, discipline and perseverance.

“After graduating from high school, I proudly served six years in the United States Navy. Stationed at Point Mugu, Califor­nia as an aviation ad­ministrator and later became a training spe­cialist. I also had the privilege of serving as a peer counselor and mentor, supporting fellow service mem­bers as they worked through challenges and pursued their goals. Those experi­ences strengthened my appreciation for accountability, adapt­ability and the impor­tance of thoughtful policies that support people while maintain­ing integrity.

“Following my mili­tary service, I attended Bethany Bible College in Santa Cruz, Cali­fornia, where I earned a certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counsel­ing. I later completed a Bachelor of Science in Business Manage­ment with an emphasis in Human Resources through Western Gov­ernors University. I also hold certificates in Workforce and Eco­nomic Development and Workforce En­hancement for Recent­ly Released Incarcer­ated Individuals.

“For the past 30 years, I have worked in education, work­force development, and human resources. Along the way, I have had the opportunity to teach and mentor students ranging from first grade through col­lege. My teaching ex­perience has included ethics, workplace rela­tions, career explora­tion, customer service, Crucial Conversations, physical education, history, Bible stud­ies and inclusion. I have also volunteered with at-risk youth and most recently worked remotely for a com­pany that operates Job Corps Centers and correctional facili­ties across the United States, helping stu­dents and inmates explore skilled trades and earn Career and Technical Education (CTE) certifications.

“When I moved to Fredonia in 2023, I quickly came to ap­preciate the warmth, beauty and strong sense of community that make this area so special. Becoming involved in my grand­children’s education has given me an even greater appreciation for the dedication of our teachers, staff, families and support of the com­munity. I believe our schools thrive when educators, parents and the community work together to support every student.

“Outside of my pro­fessional life, I am an ordained pastor who enjoys studying theol­ogy, reading, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, creating custom wire-wrapped jewelry and rock hounding. I am also thankful to be the grandma of three and the great-grandma of an energetic two-year-old boy.

“I am honored to serve the families of Fredonia by bring­ing my experience in education, workforce development, leader­ship and public service to the school board. I believe every student deserves the opportu­nity to learn, grow and build a strong founda­tion for the future. I am committed to listening, learning and working together in the best interests of our stu­dents and community. I hope my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Jacobson is smiling with pride, knowing her impact on my life continues to live on with the students at Fredonia-Moccasin School District.”