Go Build Georgia Kickoff Press Conference with Governor

Governor Nathan Deal launched the Go Build Campaign at a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda on January 17, 2012. The Go Build Campaign's goal is to build awareness around opportunities in the skilled trades. Governor Deal stated that there will be 16,500 job openings in Georgia this year for pipe fitters and plumbers, electricians and boiler makers. He also noted that skilled workers make better than average salaries. On hand were nearly 300 business and industry representatives, education officials, legislators and the media to capture this moment. SkillsUSA members demonstrated their skills we in carpentry, plumbing, masonry and electrical competencies. These demonstrations were held on the floor of the Capitol Rotunda where business leaders and the media could witness firsthand the incredible abilities of our high school students. Georgia high schools that were involved in the activities included Cairo High School, Centennial High School, Chestatee High School, Cross Keys High School, RW Johnson High School, Sandy Creek High School, Troup High School, and West Hall High School. The Construction Education Foundation of Georgia (CEFGA) worked directly with the Governor's Office of Workforce Development to include the live skill demonstrations by our students as part of the press release conference.

Governor Deal addressed the group during the press conference along with Paul Bowers, CEO of Georgia Power; Tricia Pridemore, Director of the Governor's Office of Workforce Development and Ron Jackson, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia. The Governor took time to talk with our State and National Officers and student members. He emphasized the need for a skilled workforce in Georgia to meet the needs of industry. The First Lady of Georgia, Sandra Deal toured all of the demonstration areas and took the time to speak to State Officers and students who were participating in the demonstration event. SkillsUSA members enjoyed talking with State Senator Jason Carter, grandson of President Jimmy Carter. Senator Carter believes in Career and Technical Education and was a source of motivation for our students to pursue their dreams and follow their passions in life.

Find out more about Go Build by visiting: http://gobuildgeorgia.com.
Pictures from the event can be found at: http://photos.gov.georgia.gov/GovernorNathanDeal/January-2012/11712-Go-Build-Georgia-Press/21071439_fggtcM#!i=1675665969&k=43H5xVk

Tis the Season…CHS SkillsUSA Makes A Difference Locally and Abroad!

Calhoun High School Chapter of SkillsUSA recently raised over $250 in monetary donations and supplies to support 2 service efforts – local and international. First, the chapter sponsored 2 local children for Christmas. Several officers took the money and went shopping to fill their wish list. The first shopping trip they were able to purchase clothes and a small toy for each of the children. After returning without bikes, the big gift that the children requested, they asked members for more donations and were able to purchase both a bike! Calhoun High School also took on a international project to provide school supplies to an school for orphans in Mexico. SkillsUSA was able to send $100 in school supplies to the teachers and students of the school in San Indelfonso.

Monroe High School’s SkillsUSA serves Southern Harvest Food Bank

On November 21 and 22, while out on Thanksgiving break, Monroe High School’s SkillsUSA chapter conducted a community service project at the Southern Harvest Food Bank. Students arrived early each morning to help prepare food boxes to be distributed to several nearby counties. One of the workers stated “I am surprised to see students coming out on a holiday. Most students would complain about coming. Not only are they here on holiday break, but they are working hard.” The students set a goal to box all of the food items that were laid out in assembly fashion and that’s just what they did! The students boxed 801 boxes of food equal to 12, 000 pounds. Community service is a part of the SkillsUSA program of work. Through conducting community service projects, students learn to promote and to improve good will and understanding among all segments of the community through services donated. Students develop a lifetime commitment to community service. The following students donated their time and labor: Dontrelvius Parks, Grady Jackson, Terence Jones, Albert Brown, Zhane Jackson, Kimburli Briley, Aliyah  Monroe, Hydea Collins, Charity Fuller, Austin Malone, Chartasia Singleton, Marcus Williams, and Oscelius  Farrar III.

Stephens County High holds “Comfort Care Items for Veterans” campaign

The SkillsUSA Cosmetology Chapter at Stephens County High School challenged classmates to a “Comfort Care Items for Veterans” campaign.  The items that were collected during October and November, in honor of Veterans Day, will be donated to the VA Hospital in Decatur, Georgia.  The Cosmetology Chapter was able to collect 75 kits which included: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and soap.  Retired VA Counselor, Ray Horan, visited the cosmetology department to enlighten young adults on the importance of their participation in the endeavor.  He spoke on how the kits were used in the counseling department at the hospital.

By doing this project 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 veterans will be fondly remembered by all participants.