The Georgia Career and Technical Instruction, Inc. (CTI) Student Organization held its 41st Annual State Leadership Competition Conference on April 19-21, 2023, at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center located in Eatonton, GA. Georgia CTI provides an avenue for students to learn self-advocacy, career exploration and the employability skills needed for successful transition into their career goals after graduation.
The Georgia CTI State Leadership Conference is a highlight of our year because it provides an opportunity for students and teachers from across the state of Georgia to demonstrate the projects and skills that have been achieved after a year of hard work and commitment. We had over 75 Georgia High Schools with 636 students and adults (coordinators, chaperones, bus drivers, etc.) in attendance. Participants compete in a variety of different events that put into practice the work readiness skills of effective communication, self-awareness, punctuality, professionalism and many more. Competitive events include from Career Manual/Job Interview to Public Speaking; Computer Applications to Video Production; Agriculture Science, Construction, Graphic Arts, Interior Design, Healthcare Science to Metals. There are 28 different competitive events total. Over 400 students competed this year, and around 200 students participated in an intense work readiness session to help strengthen the key work readiness skills of punctuality, communication, networking and team building. Georgia CTI also welcomed over 100 business, industry and education partners to judge our students’ achievements. In addition to competitions, CTI student candidates campaigned for the opportunity to represent Georgia CTI across our state.
From SHS CTI, J’Meshia Allen, Madison Bell, Emily Bryan, Kynslie Crapps, Thomas Hancock, Jamicheal Robinson, Courtney Schoen, and Deross Whigham attended the conference. While there, Jamichael competed in Woodworking, Courtney competed in Community Service/Civic Awareness, and Thomas, J’Meshia, and Deross competed in Occupational Creative Thinking as a team making it to the second round of competition.
There were over 80 CTI Coordinators in attendance, including Mrs. Sandra Mason from SHS, supporting students to reach their full potential. Thank you, parents, Georgia DOE CTAE staff and professionals and GVRA who supported and donated their time and talents to our students. The 41st Annual CTI State Leadership Competition Conference was a huge success.
