Zachary Derstine – Mechatronics- SOTM November 2025
Palisades High School senior Zachary Derstine has been selected as UBCTS’s November Student of the Month for his dedication, curiosity, and outstanding performance in the Mechatronics program. Zach is a committed student in the classroom and a strong employee while working at Scaletron, where he is gaining real-world experience that complements his technical studies.
Zach credits his family for giving him a strong work ethic. He states, “They push me to do my best, regardless of the outcome.”
His journey to UBCTS began in 8th grade during a school tour, where he was instantly infatuated with the Mechatronics classroom, especially robotics. The Mechatronics instructor made a lasting impression by guiding the group through each station with clear passion and expertise—an experience that sealed Zach’s decision to enroll in 9th grade.
Zach values that UBCTS allows students to learn fundamental, employable trade skills in a supportive environment. One of Zach’s most memorable moments in the Mechatronics program was a project in which his class transcribed blueprints for a part that the Machining program would later fabricate—a part that would be used in a NASA satellite. Contributing to something destined for space was an unforgettable highlight.
Mechatronics Teacher Chris Passante shared that Zach consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, respect for his peers, and a positive attitude in the classroom. He takes initiative in his learning, actively participates in discussions, and shows genuine curiosity about new material. Zach is dependable, responsible, and always willing to help others, making him a role model for his classmates. His dedication and character make him an excellent choice for this recognition.
After graduation, Zach may pursue a degree in Robotics or enter the field of Statistics. His love of numbers and data is deeply connected to one of his biggest passions: baseball. He can tell you little known facts about players or the sport itself.
Outside of academics, Zach enjoys video games and spending time with his friends. Zach’s dream job is to become a data scientist or statistical analyst for the MLB. With his passion for Mechatronics, his fascination with statistics, and his strong work ethic, Zach is well on his way to a bright and meaningful future.
Congratulations, Zachary Derstine, our November Student of the Month.
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