More Than A Sport
Late fall is a beloved time of year for sports fans. College and professional football are in full swing, the October Classic has come and gone, and basketball and hockey are keeping fans entertained with exciting competition.
But have we ever thought about other types of competition—ones a bit different from the usual athletic contests? Beyond the gridiron, rinks, and courts, other critical competitions are taking place in the local high school sphere.
In early November, hundreds of high school students gathered at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center to participate in the annual Skills Competition hosted by the Association of General Contractors. These young people—who have been training diligently in various trades—tested their mettle in carpentry, masonry, welding, and more.
Rather than donning football pads, these competitors sported tool belts and steel-toed boots (with hard hats for safety, of course). They worked against the clock in timed events, completing tasks like framing walls, running electrical wires, and building cabinets. At the end of the event, winners advanced to the SkillsUSA state competition, set to take place in Atlanta in winter 2025. They also took home gold, silver, and bronze medals to celebrate their success.
What’s truly amazing is how many of these students are new to these trades. For many, this was their first competition, having only picked up their tools a few weeks before school started.
Take, for example, a freshman student from Jordan Vocational High School College and Career Academy who competed in the masonry category. She had never mixed mortar or built masonry walls until a few weeks prior but managed to place in the competition thanks to her dedicated teachers and the industry professionals who volunteered their time to provide hands-on training.
Her story, however, is not unique. Competitions like these are taking place across the Chattahoochee Valley and throughout Georgia. In addition to SkillsUSA, students are participating in business and leadership events through Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), culinary arts competitions via Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and healthcare-focused contests hosted by Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).
These organizations, known as Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), are teacher-led and student-run programs that help high school students hone occupational skills and learn valuable life lessons.
While you won’t see these events on ESPN or their champions on parade floats, something far more valuable is happening. In the same way football teaches teamwork and cooperation, these competitions foster the same skills. Whether building a structure under tight deadlines or performing CPR and first aid with precision, these experiences shape students into productive citizens by refining their skills today.
The sense of accomplishment gained from these events is unmatched. The look of satisfaction on a student’s face after winning a carpentry competition they spent weeks preparing for may not draw the same attention as winning the College Football Playoff—but it’s just as impactful, if not more so.
Most students won’t become professional athletes, but they will need to become professionals at something. Competitions like these give them the chance to perfect their craft while having fun along the way.
Opportunities like these are why public education in our community is thriving and why the hope for our economy continues to grow. Though often unseen, dedicated individuals work tirelessly to ensure every student in our community has a chance to succeed—whether they’re carrying a football or a hammer.
