Several CITA students had a great day at the recent SkillsUSA AGC Challenge, showing off their technical skills in HVAC, Masonry, and Electrical. The Challenge, held at the Cobb Civic Center, was one of eight regional competitions around the state. Top finishers advance to the state competition held in the spring.

"Quality of life starts with good construction," one of the event's organizers told the assembled crowd of students, teachers, judges, and industry professionals. The trades are in high demand, and they are an exceptional path to a high-paying and rewarding career."

In the HVAC category, CITA students swept the podium. Larry Reyes, Octavio Cisneros, and Williams Meza took first, second, and third place, respectively.

"All 3 of the HVAC technicians worked extremely hard to do well at the AGC Challenge," said John Martin, the HVAC instructor at CITA. "They amaze me with their dedication and willingness to help each other succeed, even when they are competing against each other. I’m extremely proud of all of them!"

Larry Reyes will continue on to the Skills USA State Conference for HVACR. Octavio Cisneros will compete in Job Skills A by describing an HVAC trainer he built from scratch at Region 3. Williams Meza and his instructional team are looking for a next-level competition relative to his HVAC training at the State level.

Thanks to their excellent work at the Challenge, Cooper Sunday and Miles Hosterman will advance to the State competition in masonry, and Gustavo Solares will advance in Electrical.

"Seeing the growth and development of each student from the Fundamental Class to the advanced classes is extremely rewarding. The Metro Atlanta Skills Challenge is a terrific opportunity for students to display their technical skills in front of the Construction Industry," said Calvin Gray, a CITA instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor. "It makes me immensely proud to see the accomplishments of each student."

Another amazing opportunity for CITA students came thanks to the school's partnership with Cobb WellStar Surgical Technology.

"Our Surgical Technology pathway students have been able to shadow Wellstar surgeons in the operating room," explained CITA Director Dr. Tiffany Barney. "This experience allows them to observe first-hand the concepts they are learning in the classroom."

Surgical Technologists assist surgeons and maintain sterility in the operating room. They are specially trained in sterile techniques and are integral to the safety and welfare of surgical patients. Students will have the opportunity to complete work-based learning assignments and participate in a signing day ceremony, during which Wellstar will offer them a contract for employment and career development support to reach their future aspirations.

"This partnership has provided a unique opportunity to observe surgeries, work directly with a surgeon and an anesthesiologist, and tour the sterile processing department at Cobb Wellstar Hospital. The students have even seen the DaVinci surgical robot, the technology of the future for surgical services," said CITA Healthcare Instructor Sheri Ann Drake.

"They have described their experience as bringing their classroom learning to life for them. The surgeons at Wellstar and our OR Nurse liaison have also described the experience as incredibly rewarding and appreciate the opportunity to educate our future healthcare workforce," concluded Ms. Drake about this incredible learning and career partnership with Wellstar.