El Capitan Hotel Honors MCOE Special Education Students at End-of-Year Event

Students enrolled in the Merced County Office of Education Special Education Adult Transition Program were honored on at a recognition event, which celebrated 17 young adults who participated in the yearlong El Capitan Hotel Vocational Housekeeping Program. 

The program, which launched in 2022, offers students with special needs the opportunity to develop hands-on job training skills at El Capitan Hotel. This year, the program expanded to include the Mainzer as one of the job training sites for students.

The event included remarks from El Capitan Hotel and the Mainzer Sales Manager Kassie Nguyen and El Capitan Hotel Managing Director Robin Donovan, as well as Merced County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Tietjen and Merced County Supervisor Josh Pedrozo.

The ceremony concluded with a presentation of certificates for each student, including six students who also successfully completed the MCOE Special Education Adult Transition Program. 

2026 El Capitan Hotel Vocational Housekeeping Program Recognitions:

Vocational Students at El Capital Hotel: 

• Odrry Manning *
• John McAfee * 
• Krystal Sandoval * 
• Alondra Fierros *
• Brian Martinez
• Heidy Ramos
• Elizabeth Chao
• Kenneth Her
• Stephanie Mata-Marin
• Lesli Gamino
• Nathaniel Figueroa
• Kimberly Mendez
• Mia Rodriguez

Vocational students at the Mainzer:

• Charles Bustos *
• Zeus Nguyen * 
• Jacob Curby
• David Nolasco

About the El Capitan Hotel Vocational Housekeeping Program
The El Capitan Hotel Vocational Housekeeping Program, which launched in 2022, was designed to help young adults in the MCOE Special Education Transition Program develop life and employment skills through hands-on training at the El Capitan Hotel. The program is part of El Capitan’s commitment to create a positive impact in the Merced community, particularly in education, employment and economic development.

About the MCOE Special Education Adult Transition Program
The MCOE Special Education Adult Transition Program serves students ages 18–22 with Extensive Support Needs by providing individualized instruction in vocational training, functional academics, daily-living skills and enrichment. Through hands-on learning, and partnerships with employers and adult service agencies, the program prepares students for positive post-school outcomes and independence.

* Successfully completed MCOE Special Education Program