By Lori Dugan
THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College is opening its doors once again to present the 42nd annual Skills Day on Tuesday, April 10, from 8 a.m. to noon. A variety of contests will be held for all attending high school students, including competitions in art, administration of justice, graphic design, automotive technology, business, CAD/drafting, computers, language skills, woodworking, and welding.
There will be many activities and exhibitions available for students and other attendees to participate in between the competitions. Participants will have the chance to visit the sidewalk chalk art exhibit and the traditional art exhibition, be amazed by small and large woodworking, visit the cosmetology booth, watch for EMS activities and the Air Evac Helicopter, learn more about an ambulance, participate in the EMS Obstacle Course or the Sports Medicine Race, take pictures in one of three photo opportunity boards, enjoy free fry bread, play some lawn games, do some beading, go to the car show, or attend the open houses at the Fab Lab, Electrical and Instrumentation, and Media Communications area. And for those interested in the medical field, there is a biology “activity” planned.
Following the day’s contests, EAC will provide lunch for the students during the awards ceremony.
“We are once again offering the law enforcement activity that students may be interested in registering for,” said Gayrene Claridge, Skills Day coordinator. “We also have, new this year, hands-on labs in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Fab Lab where students will learn how to operate the 3D printer, laser engraver, and CNC mill. There is still space available in many contests. High school students wishing to participate should check with their school’s career and technical education director to confirm eligibility. Copies of the fliers are available at www.eac.edu/skillsday.”
To register for the competitions visit http://eacskillsday2018.
Skills Day began in 1978 as a way for Eastern Arizona College’s Business Department to host a competition for local high school students interested in business. During this first Skills Day, only students from Graham and Greenlee County attended, but the event has now expanded to include students from around the state. Today, 52 schools are invited to participate in Skills Day bringing more than 400 students onto campus to compete in contests and other activities. The business and computer departments at EAC continue to hold competitions for the students, and now all of EAC’s occupational and language programs participate.
For more information about Skills Day 2018 contact Claridge at (928) 428-8341 or gayrene.claridge@eac.edu.
