Story by Sara Musgrove
Brownwood High School exhibited a variety of offerings and student accomplishments at the recent Business Industry Trade Showcase (BITS). The showcase filled the BHS student center on Monday, February 21, as students, teachers, and community partners connected over recent Career Tech Education (CTE) projects. The CTE program offers classes such as principles of technology, welding, 3D science and biology, automotive technology, construction and building trades, culinary arts, agriculture and greenhouse, computer science, health science, education internships, and career prep. Students have been preparing for BITS since the school year began, with well over half the student body participating in some way to make the showcase a success.
BITS illustrates the broad opportunities for learning available to BHS students, for those who will go on to college or those who will utilize other career pathways. “We prepare kids for life after high school, especially the kids who go into a trade,” BHS Principal Lindsay Smith said. “This opens up doors for kids to see themselves in different careers.” Students and teachers met with community members and upcoming BHS students. Eighth grade students from Brownwood Middle School were invited as well, to see the future opportunities available to them in high school.
Above: Pharmacy Tech display at the BHS Business Industry Trade Show. (Photo provided by BHS Media Crew students Gracie Sanchez, Kendra Martinez and Aubrey Bruton.)
On display were projects from the classes, tools students learn how to use, and two tables of delectable dishes from the culinary arts students. From cake pops to handmade pizza pockets, students displayed their skills. Teachers, such as Auto Mechanics teacher Mr. Randy Gross, met with prospective students as well. “The majority of my students want to learn about and understand the automotive industry,” Gross said. “Some come because it is an elective and they think it could be easy, but when we get into the shop, most students say, ‘wow,’ and they love it.” Gross works with over sixty students in his three CTE classes and hopes to see more in the coming years. His table displayed a car starter that one student rebuilt, winning blue ribbons and is competing at the state level.
From everyday practicality to long-term career opportunities, the trade show allows students to glimpse their larger life picture as part of the Brownwood community. The CTE program at BHS offers students multiple opportunities to explore their interests while adding valuable life skills to their knowledge-base.