Sumter County Schools has recognized a senior at The Villages High School as the Career and Technical Education March Student of the Month.
Matthew Ngo is an exceptional representative of the health science program, demonstrating remarkable ambition, academic discipline and a strong commitment to pursuing a medical career. He chose to enroll in health science because of his long-term goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.
“What I like best about CTE classes are the experiences that can be obtained, and the wide plethora of opportunities that can be explored,” he shared. “A specific example from health science is the certificates I gain will allow me to work in the hospital over the summer, gaining vital clinical hours. Also, with how competitive it is to get jobs at the hospital, my CTE advisors are able to provide recommendations that boost my chances.”
These opportunities place him ahead of many students entering the very competitive medical pathways.
Ngo’s dedication is evident in the extensive list of certifications he has already earned, including Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Patient Care Technician, Entrepreneurship & Small Business, QuickBooks Certified User, Social Media Strategist, ICT Multimedia Essentials, Communication Essentials, Cybersecurity Essentials and Spreadsheet Essentials. He also plans to complete three additional certifications this school year: Certified EKG Technician, Certified Phlebotomy Technician and Certified Nursing Assistant.
Beyond classroom learning, Ngo values the real-world experience earned through CTE. The skills he has developed, such as drawing blood, taking vitals and understanding clinical procedures, will allow him to gain hospital hours this summer, an important step toward medical school admission.
Following graduation, he plans to attend the University of Florida, where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, followed by his M.D., with the ultimate career goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.
Ngo’s achievements extend far beyond the classroom. He has earned top recognition in both health and STEM competitions, including 1st place at HOSA Regionals, 2nd place at HOSA States, ILC Finalist in Public Service Announcement (Alzheimer’s Prevention), 1st Place SECME Regionals and 2nd Place SECME Nationals (MouseTrap Car).
Additionally, he was selected as Sumter County’s Sunshine State Scholar nominee, an honor reserved for top STEM students. As National Honor Society President, he also leads multiple community initiatives, including soup kitchens, elderly home outreach and beach cleanups.
Ngo is equally admired for his character.
“Matthew is an exceptional student,” one of his teachers said. “He has great aspirations for his future, and he is always eager to help promote our VHS CTE programs. He has served as a student representative at both Sumter Co CTE Advisory meetings this year. We have great confidence in Matthew’s future academic pursuits, and we feel that he will be an asset to his community and future profession.”
Sumter County Schools congratulated Matthew Ngo on this well-deserved recognition. His achievements, work ethic and passion for the medical field exemplify the highest standards of Career and Technical Education in the district.