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

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Business as usual At the age of 16, Jim Ingram has more isponsibility placed upon him than most thcr students. He is a junior who is ivolvcd in Elsik's Vocational program. It’s not exciting, but it ain't dull,” Jim lid. “I don't plan on going to college so iis program gives me a chance to enter ic working world early.” Vocational classes arc aimed mainly iward this purpose of starting a :sponsiblc job early. Jim attends school r halfa day and then goes to work at Sam hite Oldsmobile as a mechanic. “It’s great getting out early,” exclaimed m. The vocational program consists of vo classes. The Pre-Employment Lab is signed to give students a background in jrtain fields by learning through school nivities and laboratory experiences. The other class open to students is o-Operativc Training. This enables ,udents to actually go to a working Ication and cam money. Students who re interested in Vocational Education kn study in theficldsof: BuildingTrades, lechanical Work. Health Occupations, rtd Home Economics to name a few. “Vocation is not for everyone,” said m. “It's for those who don't plan on ping to college, but want to start their iturc early and arc willing to take it riously. The vocational class at Elsik has orked well for me. It gives me a chance » learn about something I really enjoy fing around.” Joe Rosa, another student who attends Isik High School, is also involved in the ocational Program. Joe attends school itil the end of fourth period and then pes to the family owned restaurant to ork the rest of the day. I work at my father's business, LaRosa ying Pizza and Italian Restaurant, and ive a great time. It can get frustrating at mes. but overall there aren’t any oblems and I love my work.” said Joe. 'hen asked what it was like working in family restaurant. Joe replied. It’s alot isicr working with family members than lyonc else. We all get along and enjoy orking together.” Joe's dream is to own his own staurant after high school. One might consider that working after school in a vocational program can effect grades and homework, but according to Joe, “My grades haven't suffered a bit. I still have time to do homework.” Jocenjoysgoingtoworkandgcttingout of school early because it gives him more Joe Rosa serves with a smile. C. Duplain photo time to learn what he wants to learn. “I think the vocational class is a great idea. It’s for people, like myself, who don't plan on going to college but want to get a good trade in their hands early in life.” by: Jeff Rennert The “hands-on world of Jim Ingram. C. Duplain photo Feature: Vocations 193 i t

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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

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You meet a new friend the first day of the Semester. Casually you ask a few general questions: What’s your name? What are your classes? What grade arc you in? The latter is the most important. Usually its easy to tell what grade someone is in by certain characteristics. Forexamplc. Frcshmandon'tcomc any taller than 5’. Their growth stops in eighth grade only to make an extreme come back the summer before they are Sophomores. These “miny high schoolers get along pretty well unless they buy elevator passes or insult Seniors. Sophomores gain some self-confidence because they have successfully made the transition to high school. Now its time for them to throw away their map and become involved. At least now they have a class beneath them to push around. Juniors arc a totally different story. This is when they begin to acquire, along with a class ring, the arrogance and apathy that it takes to be a Senior. Powder Puff is their first chance to prove just how tough they arc. Hang in there Juniors, its not that much longer till you’re the superior class. by: Brena Baumann Class Conscious