SkillsUSA Georgia News 2009-2010

SkillsUSA Works with Habitat for Humanity

Johnson High School SkillsUSA sponsored a Habitat for Humanity workday during the Christmas Holidays. Students and teachers from Johnson and West Hall High Schools showed their support by spending the day working on the current Hall County Habitat High project. Stayed tuned for final project details and photos.

Students Buy Gifts for 50 Children

from GwinnettDailyPost.com

Students at Maxwell High School of Technology are helping 50 children in Gwinnett County have a merry Christmas.

The school partnered with the Quinn House to provide clothing and toys for 50 needy children in the community.

Each class adopted a child, and many groups raised money using the skills they learned at school, said Harry Lara, the president of Maxwell’s SkillsUSA chapter, which organized the community service project. For example, he said, students in the auto services program raised money by performing oil changes and washing cars.

Pat Travis, the Quinn House’s Christmas program manager, said Maxwell is one of the biggest supporters of the charity. This is the 13th year the school has participated in this community service project.

“They put their whole heart into it,” Travis said. “They do become the child’s Santa.”
Travis said hundreds of families have approached the Lawrenceville-based nonprofit organization for help this Christmas.

“I think it is one of the most amazing things you can do,” Madihah Abuhazim, the vice president of the SkillsUSA chapter, said of the community service project. “Just to be someone’s Santa, it’s heartwarming.”

Maxwell High School of Technology offers technical education programs to juniors and seniors in Gwinnett County high schools. But it wasn’t just those students who adopted children for Christmas. Groups of teachers and the school’s prekindergarten class also participated.

“It is amazing to see the children from the 4-year-olds in the preschool class to me 19-year-olds joining together in a time when the economy is tough to reach out and help other Gwinnett County children in need,” said Tricia Floyd, the Georgia Pre-K teacher and SkillsUSA chapter adviser. “They have an opportunity to be Santa Claus and make another child’s holiday bright.”

Members of the community interested in adopting a child for Christmas can contact Travis at 770-317-5026.

Community members can also visit stores participating in the Quinn House’s Angel Tree program. The stores have Christmas trees decorated with angels containing the description of a child and the toy the child wishes to receive. To participate, take an angel from the tree, purchase the gift, tape the angel to the unwrapped gift and return to the store to place the gift under the tree.

For more information, visit www.thequinnhouse.com.

Stephens County Collects Items for Troops

Cosmetology SKillsUSA Chapter members with Captain Chris Powell to kick-off Collection Drive

The SkillsUSA Cosmetology Chapter at Stephens County High School challenged fellow classmates to a “Comfort Care Items for Troops” competition. The recipient of the items collected will be the 48th Army National Guard, a group from Georgia. Although the original goal was to collect 1,000 items, our expectations were surpassed by collecting in excess of 2800 items; Dr. Warren’s class won the competition by collecting 660 of these items. While on his mid-tour leave, Captain Chris Powell, currently serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom, served as a guest speaker at Stephens County High School. He elaborated on the emotional as well as physical benefits of receiving care items.

During this campaign, our students were afforded the opportunity to experience first hand the satisfaction of helping others. Collecting these items and understanding the importance of supporting our troops will be fondly remembered by all participants.

Cosmetology Chapter with Eddie Hallford chairman for "Ride for Life" with packages to be shipped to Afghanistan

SCHS SKillsUSA Chapter members with Captain Chris Powell to kick-off Collection Drive

SkillsUSA Georgia Day with the Thrashers is a HIT!

This past Thursday, 137 student members and teachers from across the state joined in the excitement of attending a Thrashers Hockey Game. Those in attendance included students from Centennial High School, Jones County High School, Lithia Springs High School, McEachern High School, Putnam County High School and Troup County High School. The afternoon began with a Speaker Series that included professionals from the Thrashers and Phillips Arena Operations as well a special visit by Thrash, the team mascot! Members were able to take part in several fan experiences during the evening which included three of our members spending time in the penalty box during pregame warm-ups. They were truly up close to the action as the players prepared for the game. To earn the opportunity to sit in the penalty box, members had to correctly answer a question posed by a guest speaker. Winning members included: Diego Carvallo from Centennial High School, Jaylan Barron from Jones County High School and Terrance Bryant from Troup County High School. Also, as a special recognition, student member Evan Hecht from Centennial High School rode on the Zamboni during the second intermission. Centennial High School brought the largest number of students to the event with 62 members and Dr. Tom Washburn nominated Evan to participate in the Zamboni ride because of his steadfast efforts in heading up the 9th grade mentoring program at school. Evan spends his mornings in the Law & Justice lab helping 9th graders with their projects or preparing for a test. Way to go, Evan! And way to go SkillsUSA Georgia in making the Thrashers Game a success! One final note, major hockey enthusiast and advisor from Jones County High School, Nick Dipaolo got the unexpected surprise of his life when he too was able to take a ride on the Zamboni! Nick was so excited that he has now guaranteed to bring 30 students to the Hawks Game in April! See you there!