On March 23, 2023, a team of Tahquitz High School’s CTE Construction students won 1st place, Best in Show, in the 2023 Southern California Design Build Competition. The event which took place at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California featured 25 teams and a total of 340 high school students. The competition was sponsored by the Construction Industry Education Foundation.
Students who participated in this competition worked for 14+ hours over two days in rain and wind to build structures, which were then scored by a panel of judges. The competition is meant to boost career awareness for construction pathways and provide high school students with hands-on experience. Students are able to get resources for professional level construction from sponsorships from companies in the construction industry. Tahquitz High School’s construction project was sponsored by Western States Drywall/Lathing Industry Labor Management Cooperation Committee.
Day 1 of the student competition consisted of the initial planning stage and the beginning of building of the required 96+ sq ft. structures that meet industry standards. Day 2 brought out sponsors and many industry professionals awarding scholarships and observing the projects made by the various student teams. Scholarships can be awarded for trade schools, apprenticeships, or college educations.
The accomplishments of the CTE Construction students at Tahquitz would not be possible without the diligent work of Walter Scott, the teacher for the CTE Construction Program. Principal Kari McGowan said, “This is a huge accomplishment and only the beginning of bringing home awards and recognition for the amazing program Walter Scott is building.”