It was the all Russ show at the beginning of the meeting as fill-in president WENDY AGULIAR got things going. RUSS DIX greeted, and introduced Kiwanian guests Ken Johnson (Kamiakin) and Bert Redwing (Atomic City), after RUSS ROBERTS gave a nice invocation. Our usual song leader was not in attendance, but BECKY SCHOLL filled in admirably.

Announcements were in abundance:
MAC PORTER passed a sign-up sheet for Greeting Duties.

GENE ROSTVOLD gave a brief presentation on this weekend’s 2A Basketball Tournament. The last of three straight state basketball tournaments held in Yakima, bringing hundreds of fans and lots of money to the valley.

BETH KLINGELE encouraged everyone to plan for Rock the Gap, coming up May 30th. Tables, tickets, and sponsorships are available. Many Kiwanis workers will also be needed. Contact Beth for details.

STEVE EMHOFF let everyone know of a Trailseekers Dessert Auction to be held this Sunday starting at 2:00 at First Presbyterian Church. No cost to attend, unless you buy a dessert.

SPENCER HATTON got us ready for Song Fest XXI. Eight choirs will be attending the event March 21st at the Capitol Theatre. Spencer thanked his many volunteers and recognized BRIAN BLOUNT of Argus Insurance for their sponsorship of this longstanding event.

ROGER BELL made a plea to save Aktion Club. He had attended a division meeting and was instructed to encourage us to keep this active club going. A transportation plan is being explored in an attempt to solve that issue.

Sergeant LORI CROW fined each table based on her rather suspicious interpretation of various acronyms. BOB BROWN once again had a chance to win the 50/50 Raffle (currently standing at $231 according to JOHN BENSON) administered by LYNN BUCHANAN. Wendy then called a game of Bingo, won by Lynn.

Then it was time for the program:
Becky Scholl introduced Bruce Mortimer, who she had interviewed way back when he applied to work at Ike. Being a former school teacher, Bruce started with a quiz of the audience – complete with prizes for correct answers. We learned that 920 students are currently enrolled in CTE classes (what used to be called vocational classes) at the three area high schools. That total doesn’t include those who attend the Skills Center. These students are high achievers, Bruce told us. In the old days, these types of classes were “dumping grounds” for students who couldn’t handle a college curriculum,, but not anymore. Now, 90% of the students in CTE programs get college credit, but they are doing “real world things” rather than studying theories and concepts. All CTE programs have to show they are meeting a need and will provide a living wage job upon completion. As a bonus, they motivate students to learn and go to class in a different, more practical way. Teachers in CTE classes do not have to be college graduates, but do need 6,000 hours of industry experience.

After giving us the primer on CTE programs, including lists of subject areas and the fact that a journeyman household has a higher average wage than that of a college graduate, Bruce introduced Bruce McBurney and Sonny Sagar to talk about the upcoming Skills USA competition. The 2009 state tournament for about 60 contest areas will bring 1,000 of the best and brightest students to town. This is the first time the tournament will be held here according to McBurney and it is scheduled to be held here at least the next three years. Depending on the response, Yakima could be a permanent home for the state competition. Bruce and Sonny asked us to consider being judges for the leadership competitions and if we have experience in the any of the skills categories, judge there as well. They are also looking for sponsors and prize donators. It is important that the winners be recognized and rewarded according to Sonny, the state treasurer who hails from Davis High School. Advertising is also available in the conference program. Anyone interested is encouraged to e-mail amber.sharpe@skillsusawashington.org or call 360.447.0705 for additional details. Bruce and Sonny promise great exposure for those who agree to help.

Both Bruces brought a variety of displays showcasing the many things that high school students are able to accomplish. Impressive displays, especially considering that according to Mortimer only 20% of the jobs in the nation require a college degree. The remaining 80% require skilled training, just the type of training CTE students receive and get to compete in during SkillsUSA.

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