Alief Elsik High School - Ramblings Yearbook (Houston, TX)

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Vesa Tvry checks the quality of a spring. C. Bell photo During class, Phil DcShais changes the shocks on a car. C. DuPlain photo Auto Mechanics Preparing for an automotive future Automotive Mechanics is another course offered in the Vocational area. Auto mechanics is an elective for students who plan to seek employment in automotive trades and related areas. The course is offered in a modem, well-equipped shop. The shop is designed to meet actual industiy standards in order to provide the student with realistic training. The student attends this shop class for two consecutive school periods daily. Students are assigned work individually, in small groups, or in teams, and progress systematically through all units of the course. The course provides learning activities which enable students to discover their own aptitude, and interest skills that are useful in the automotive trades and industries. Instruction and practice is provided in shop safety, theory of internal combustion engines, use of hand tools, the electrical system, trouble-shooting and repair of engine, tune-up, brake application, operating principles of power train and front end suspension. In automotive mechanics II, skills are taught on a higher level and students may decide to specialize in a particular area. Special emphasis is placed upon business ethics, development of personal traits and attitudes, and employer-employee realtionships. by Marie Abaya Before beginning work Viking Sjovall and Mr. Simmons fix an auto lamp. C. Bell photo Auto Mechanics 191

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A horticulture student checks the soil for dampness. He examines other plants for pests. At the greenhouse, a student cares for some flowers. Horticulture Plant-growing and bug-killing The Horticulture program, taught by Pablo Martin at Hastings, is a part of Vocational education for the Handicapped. The main objectives of this program are to acquaint students with basic techniques and knowledge associated with Horticulture and to present related job opportunities. In the course students learn about plant growth and development, sexual and asexual propagation, soils, fertilizers and insect control. 190 Horticulture

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Precise workmanship is always followed. Brick-laying student helps form a house. Building Trades A career that grows For students interested in the construction industry or related areas. Building Trades is the class to take. “With the high unemployment rate, students need as much experience as they can get before they get out of high school,” said Larry Brcazcalc, building trades instructor. Each student spends two class periods involved with building trades and the remaining periods per day in two other high school courses needed for graduation. Training is provided through labexperiencesand other closely related school activities. Students learn how to establish a building site, pour concrete foundation, framing structure, shcctrocking, painting and other related jobs. “We’re making an effort to serve all levels of youngsters forgainful employment when they leave high school,” said Lott Brooks, Vocational Director, “And some of our programs arc unique. For example, our students have the chance to build a house from the ground up.” Students who are interested in entering the Building Trades class should have a general knowledge of math, electricity and woodworking. For the student who is serious about the construction industry. Building Trades can take them a long way. “I’ve personally talked to unions in Houston who say they will give students credit for high school programs,’’said Breazeale. Building Trades is a good program to enter for students interested. It can be a great advantage in the future and it will take you a long way in the present. 192 Vocational