DAY 4: The First Day of Competition and a Trip around Techspo

Eight of the nine LCCTC students have competition today, but they’re all here to cheer each other on because — well, that’s what they do!!

Today, it’s round one for Opening and Closing. If they do well enough, they continue on to the next round to compete with eleven other teams that have traveled to Atlanta from across the nation. If this year is not to be for their second round, they are simply blessed to be here in Atlanta and will cheer on Parker and Ian in their competitions.

Ian Stoneking also has his competition for Employment Application Process. Twelve thousand have come from all across the nation —from Maine to California, the Navajo nation to Nebraska, from Florida to Washington, and from as far away as Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Each is here to do their very best and the nerves are real; after all, they’re competing against the best of the best of the nation!

Today’s mindset — go in there and do what they were trained to do. Let’s do it, LCCTC; you’ve got this!

In contrast, Ian has one shot at his competition. He’ll prepare to look his best, approach the interview site to engage in friendly chit-chat with the door judge before entering, complete his application in blue or black ink pen, and head into his interview — portfolio in hand.

What to do while they wait — TECHSPO! As a CTE destination, SkillsUSA TECHSPO showcases the latest technology and its application by our future workforce, teachers, and experts. Over 200 exhibitors at SkillsUSA TECHSPO are placed alongside national career competitions and leadership sessions that are shaping and celebrating our nation’s career-ready students. Across three exhibition floors, interactive experiences inspire participants while industry connections are forged to enhance classrooms and develop the country’s talent pipeline. For the kids (and a few adults — Mr. Pavia, included), it’s like Trick-or-Treat time at Halloween with the giveaways! Oh — and let’s not forget about trading pins . . . but that’s a topic for tomorrow’s post!

Tomorrow — we send both Parker Frelin for her to compete in her Health Occupations Portfolio competition. We HOPE to send the Opening and Closing team as finalists for their second round of competition!