Sonoraville High School students are taking advantage of the career curriculum offered through Gordon County Schools. Career classes in agricultural education, auto mechanics, construction and health occupations offer di-verse instruction for students interested in those career fields.

“We really learn a lot in construction class with Mr. (Butch) Birch. Between build-ing bird houses and working alongside Habitat for Human-ity, I have seen the diversity of what you can do in the con-struction field,” said Kyle Blaylock. Blaylock will gradu-ate this year and plans to be-come an architect. Students in the construction program recently finished building a concession stand for the foot-ball field and are involved in several off site projects.

Junior classmen Bryce Dunn enjoys the hands on training that comes with work-ing on small engines. He is enrolled in the auto mechan-ics program and hopes to at-tend National Auto Diesel College in 2011.

“These classes are great. You really get a chance to work on machinery and en-gines. I am interested in die-sel-fueled motors and Mr. (Johnny) Thompson teaches hands on training in that area as well. The car we worked on this week was very old and he showed us the differences in fuel injection and carbureted engines,” he said.

A poster in the Career hallway reads, “Participants get more out of life than spec-tators.” This statement is well placed among these classes. A few students on their way to agriculture class are quick to point out their goals of becom-ing horticulturists, veterinari-ans and to study agriculture law.

Health Occupations teacher, Barbara Naymick offers students work based learning in many areas such as nursing, medical illustra-tion and general medicine. Many students also find time to be active members of the Health Occupations Student Organization (HOSA.)

Naymick stressed that ca-reer classes not only help students find a career interest but also help them build lead-ership skills. “There are so many great organizations for these kids to participate in such as FBLA (Future Busi-ness Leaders of America, HOSA, FFA (Future Farmers of America) and SKillsUSA,” she said.

“Mrs. Naymick shares so much experience. These classes are very hands on. They are helping me prepare for a career as a registered nurse,” said Stephanie Matlock.

Hannah Smith, SHS senior and SkillsUSA state historian is focusing on her interest in the medical field through the Health Occupations program. She is a proud career curricu-lum participant and believes in the leadership opportuni-ties that are available through programs such as SkillsUSA.

Smith said that students from any of the career cur-riculums can join SkillsUSA. “I hope to get more students involved at Sonoraville and through out North Georgia.