Four school districts unite for Business Partner Café

More than 130 business and community partners gathered last Monday in the Miami Junior-Senior High School cafeteria for Miami’s quarterly Business Partner Café. The conference-style event, hosted by the school district, gives students the opportunity to lead presentations and guide discussions with local business partners. It is designed to foster networking, support students and strengthen ties between schools and the broader community.

This quarter’s café, focused on showcasing regional high school career and technical education programs, marked several milestones. It was the first time Gila Community College partnered with Miami to host the event. It was also the largest turnout in the past three years, with the cafeteria reaching full capacity. Additionally, it was the first time students from Globe, Miami, Hayden and San Carlos school districts came together to present at the Miami Business Partner Café.

It was a rare example of four school districts working collaboratively, said Dr. Richard Ramos, Miami Unified School District No. 40 Superintendent.  

“Rural districts often face limitations that require us to think differently and act collectively,” he said after the event. “Miami was proud to host Globe, Hayden, and San Carlos, showcasing the power of regional cooperation in advancing opportunities for all students.” 

Students from each district highlighted their respective CTE programs and shared key takeaways from their experiences.

Globe High School students showcased their U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. JROTC cadets discussed how the program helps develop leadership and teamwork skills, their extensive community service efforts and their anticipation for an upcoming leadership camp.

“JROTC is not just a CTE program, to me JROTC is family,” said C/Maj. Andi Lawrence. “What makes me proudest is being not only able to become a leader, but being able to help teach and shape the world's future leaders as well."

Hayden students presented their four CTE pathways: business operations, law and public safety, education professions and technology.

“I was proud to share my accomplishments in science, and in law and public safety, and to represent my school,” said Hayden junior Michael Ballard.

San Carlos High School’s graphic design students highlighted their graphic design program, explaining how they use industry-grade software to create promotional and commercial materials. They shared their design of a new logo for their program and noted they are offering logo design services for hire.

Member of Miami’s Future Farmers of America program discussed the success of their chapter of the National FFA Organization. They had just returned from Arizona’s FFA Agricultural Sales Career Development Event, where the school earned first place as a team and member Viren Roojam placed second individually. Their performance qualified them to compete at the National FFA Convention & Expo in October in Indianapolis.

During the event, Miami High School was presented with a $30,000 check from Capstone Copper, funds raised through the company’s annual Capstone Copper Open golf tournament. The tournament also raised $30,000 each for Globe and San Carlos high schools, which had already received their donations.

“My focus has been on ensuring that our students, regardless of district boundaries, have access to the opportunities and resources they deserve,” Ramos said after the event. “By sharing resources, expertise, and partnerships, our districts can expand opportunities for all students. Supporting one another is not optional, it is essential to ensuring every child in our region thrives.”