Building Skills through Student Organizations
By Kaye Dorroh
Student Services Coordinator

Career and Technical student organizations are buzzing with excitement at the Grenada Career and Technical Center as students anticipate competitions and conference trips. Fundraisers are underway to offset some of the expenses for travel costs and organization dues.

In Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), students are planning to take part in community service projects and career development conferences. One ongoing project consists of collecting metal pop tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House, a “home away from home” for families who have a hospitalized child. In September, DECA students will be selling t-shirts featuring the GSD logo on the front while sporting some of the extracurricular activities on the back. Proceeds will support the March of Dimes Foundation to fund research for preventing birth defects. DECA participants are enrolled in Marketing & Economics, Career Pathway Experience, and Information Technology.

Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) have “heart” as the 2011-2012 national theme states: “HOSA: It’s In Our Hearts to Keep Yours Beating!” To express this compassion for people, HOSA students will participate in clinical field experiences involving fun activities with young children (age three through third grade) who have mild, moderate, or severe disabilities. Students are active in HOSA learn valuable skills that enhance the quality and delivery of health care services. “We also plan to volunteer for Hospice patients who are facing terminal illnesses,” expressed Mrs. Anise Shuffield, Health Sciences Instructor.

In Skills USA, students and teachers partner with industry to help students excel. Skills USA emphasizes high ethical standards of workmanship, lifelong education, and pride in the dignity of work. Participating in this organization are students enrolled in Construction, Automotive Service, and Welding. “We’re proud of the recent first place winners of the District II Competition who demonstrated their advanced leadership skills,” stated Mr. Ricky Jones, Automotive Service Instructor and Skills USA Sponsor.

Career and Technical student organizations promote leadership and personal development for students enrolled in programs at the Grenada Career & Technical Center. Join your organization today!