Richland One CTE Student of the Year Gayle Boyd

After Dreher High School senior Gayle Boyd crosses the stage in a week to receive her diploma, she will go on to the University of California, Berkeley and major in political economy. There, she will explore how real-world market systems are embedded in politics and society. Her ultimate goal is to become a journalist for The New York Times.

While a student at Dreher and particularly as a Richland One career and technical education (CTE) student, her path would have appeared to be leading her to the field of engineering.

Gayle was named Richland One’s 2021-2022 CTE Student of the Year at a recent ceremony where it was acknowledged that she completed the Project Lead The Way pre-engineering course sequence, as part of the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) pathway. She’s also been an engaged member of the Dreher robotics team. Her delight in the arts is as fervent as her enjoyment of STEM. Gayle has received notable recognition for both.

“I can paint and draw pretty well, and I’ve been commissioned to paint,” she said.

Richland One CTE Director J. Christopher Dinkins said Gayle is a phenomenal representation of all that Richland One has to offer students and families.

“While standing out as an amazing student-athlete, Gayle has simultaneously been outstanding in career and technical education through STEM, in her artistic engagement and as a civic-minded leader on her campus,” said Dinkins. “Richland One CTE is well-represented by Ms. Boyd.”

Gayle serves as an officer in the National Honor Society and Key Club. She is also the captain of Dreher’s girls varsity tennis team and a member of the school’s girls varsity track team. She’s enjoyed the full gamut of what the district and Dreher have to offer programmatically and through its people.

“I (have) been part of the district since kindergarten and Dreher since ninth grade,” said Gayle. “I have had a great experience because of great teachers and classmates.”