Awards
He is already preparing for the next level of certification to become a Certified SolidWorks Professional. Passing the second level of certification will prove Newton’s advanced knowledge of the platform and his ability to use more complex SolidWorks features to design and analyze parts and mechanisms. SolidWorks certification isn’t just for college-bound students. These certifications, along with adequate coursework in high school, prepare students for direct entry into the workforce as well. By having SolidWorks-certified workers at all levels, Mississippi industry can become more competitive nationally and globally. SolidWorks is a 3-D computer-aided design platform used for modeling various engineering products. According to the most recent 2011 SolidWorks Fact Sheet, the company has over 1.5 million customers from over 148,000 companies worldwide. To measure levels of competency in its programs, Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. offers its customers a number of certification options in three levels: associate, professional and expert. Newton has completed the first level. Knowing the importance of SolidWorks certification, Browning said, “I am always encouraging my students to broaden their horizons by including this exam process in their school schedule,” and this encouragement is paying off. Another of Browning’s students has indicated plans to take the CSWA exam this year.
“The benefits are that the student is able to read highly technical information … and is highly capable of comprehending what he has read and apply it to some type of engineering concept.”
Future Farmers of America
The Mississippi Future Farmers of America attended the 2011 State Fair Livestock Judging Contest held at the Fordice Equine Center at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds on October 8, 2011. Several FFA chapters took home top honors: •
In the Junior Division, the Pisgah Junior FFA Chapter, advised by Brent Hammonds, took home 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Congratulations to the following team members: Brantley Nations, Jimmy Shedd, Weston Bowman and John Avery Prestage, who took home first; Nick Williams, Matthew Warren, Parker Kelly and Ashley Kennedy, who took second; and Angela McCurdy, Britney Shoemaker, Megan Crow and Calleigh Parker, who took third.
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In the Senior Division, Michael West led his Wayne County FFA students to first place. Congratulations to Rachel Reynolds, Justin Hutto, Allen Waller and McKensie Chancellor. West also led a team consisting of students Jace Gardner, Taylor McCary, Alora Landrum and Desirae Sumrall to 2nd place. The Pine Grove FFA team, made up of members Kayla Mauney, Evan Yancey and Bruce Miller, took 3rd place.
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In the Collegiate Division, Thomas Wagnon, Kelly Dukes, Kinsley Kirkland and Cole Rogers from Jones County Junior College took 1st-place honors, while Brett Caldecott, Alex Glass and Chase Johnson of Hinds Community College came in second.
“Learning SolidWorks is not a casual undertaking but rather a very tedious one,” said Browning. “It is an indicator that the student is capable of focusing in on the learning process,” he continued. When students are willing to take on challenging tasks like this one and teachers are committed to their success, everyone reaps the rewards. Students will go on to college or jobs in their desired fields; teachers have satisfaction at watching their students succeed; and Mississippi gains valuable workers for its industries.
STUDENT
Career Pathway Experience students compete in safety poster contest
Spotlight
Students in Debbie Brumfield’s Career Pathway Experience class at the Carl Loftin Career and Technology Center began the school year focusing on safety. Students created posters using various safety topics that related to their workplaces, schools or homes. Page 8
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