Briggs & Stratton sees the program as a great way to help develop its future workforce. “They (students) understand the importance of being here, and being on time,” said Denise Batton, a member of the company's human resources team."They understand the importance of team work."

Savannah's CBS television affiliate, WTOC-TV, featured a news story about the BASCO program in February. It helps showcase the partnership between the school district and local manufacturers to help interested students successfully make the transition from school to a skilled career.

Statesboro High School's Audio, Technology, Video & Film students' video entry for the 2020 Powerade Power Your School video contest captured the attention of The Coca-Cola Company leading to a $2,000 cash award for the school'a athletic program. The ATVF career pathway at Statesboro High is lead by Chad Farrel.

Student athletes and their supporters submitted videos and essays demonstrating their schools’ needs. Statesboro High was one of nearly 45 winning schools to receive monetary prizes of $2,000 each to preserve the playing fields that often serve as an extension of the classroom. Contest entries were judged based on school need, creativity, and quality of submission.

Pictured below are local On Premise Business Development Manager Phillip Story (left), Statesboro High student athletes, and Patrick Hill (right), the school's athletic director.

Hall, who is the school's Construction teacher and SkillsUSA Chapter advisor, and Bratton, its Agriculture teacher and National FFA Organization Chapter advisor, find ways for their programs to collaborate. They have 30 years of experience in education between them.

Hall, who is in his second year of teaching construction, previously worked in carpentry

and had his own part-time handyman business. In his first year as a construction

teacher, his students won a Gold Chapter of Distinction honor from SkillsUSA, a

national nonprofit association of trades students. Bratton, who taught science for two

decades before branching out to agricultural education three years ago, views his shift

to teaching skilled trades as a pivotal moment in his career, one that lets him help

students use what they know to solve real-world problems. Both teachers’ programs

continuously instruct students in employability skills and model classroom practices to

mirror future workplaces.

“Trades teachers are truly unsung heroes, and our prize seeks to show everyone how

powerful these classes can be,” said Danny Corwin, executive director of Harbor Freight

Tools for Schools. “Skilled trades education has enormous potential to offer students

pathways to multiple post-secondary opportunities, and these are the teachers who are

providing them with the knowledge, skills and inspiration year after year.”

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was started in 2017

by Eric Smidt, the founder of national tool retailer Harbor Freight Tools. Now, in the fourth year of the prize, more than 200 teachers have been recognized as winners or finalists. Winners can join a nationwide network of outstanding trades teachers who convene regularly by webinar and in a three-day summer workshop to share best practices and advance their field.

Statesboro High School Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) teacher 1st Sgt. David Redwine helped his students participate in a special enlistment ceremony at the school on February 26. Four students from the high school along with more than 20 other young people from area high school's were administered their enlistment oath from the International Space Station by U.S. Army Colonel and NASA astronaut Dr. Andrew Morgan. Dave Williams from television channel WJCL reported on this event.

Bulloch County Schools’ Career Technical & Agricultural Education program collaborated with its local partners to sponsor the contest. The Manufacturing Art Contest helps K-12 students learn about the manufacturing industry’s contribution to our local and state economy and today’s modern industrial facilities and their career opportunities. Students were encouraged to create artwork that celebrates manufacturers located in Bulloch County.

Elementary School Winners:

• 1st Place ($200 award) - Bailey Bunch - Portal Elementary School
• 2nd Place ($100 award) - Ethan Cason - Portal Elementary School

Middle School Division Winners:

• 1st Place ($200 award) - Sydney Bonistall - William James Middle School
• 2nd Place ($100 award) - Kaden Horton - Portal Middle High

Art Teacher - Student Participation Awards:

• Autumn Horton ($100 award) - Portal Elementary School art teacher
• Kimberly Kaiser ($100 award) - William James Middle School art teacher

Career Connection, Fall 2019