George C Marshall High School - Columbian Yearbook (Falls Church, VA)

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Many students never see the vocational wing during the day, but for those who do, it's always busy. Classes range from Maintenance and Repair to Bricklaying to Cosmetology. Although Marshall's overall population has diminshed, the vocational program's enrollment is relatively high. However, the budget cut did cause the Business Data Processing class to be abolished, since too few students elected it. Vocational subjects prepare students for their careers. The courses require the use of hands, mind, and unique skills and special knowledge; these career preparatory courses also demand that pupils exercise good judgement and learn safety techniques. Students spend three periods in each class, affording an opportunity for thorough preparation. The number of years different courses require for completion varies. Some are two years in length; others could take three or more years. Cosmetology students, for instance, spend 1500 hours in skill work and then 500 hours in academic studies. Upon graduation, vocational students can be placed in a job immediately. It could take fourteen years for an average person to get the education he needs to get a good job unless he has the special training these subjects provide. Each course can produce at least ten career openings. Thus, a student is able to pick the branch of his field that he wants to pursue. The competition between students is keen. The challenge is to do the best job possible. In addition, nation-wide skills contests are held each year. Most of the students, after working two to five years, move up to a higher position. Some students, however, use vocational courses as a second job alternative or just as a hobby in future life. The wing may be unseen by many, but this oversight by some students at Marshall does not diminish its importance or the quality of education it provides. The wig's curlers have been removed, and now it's ready for the finishing touches. Gwyn Carter teases its hair before combing it out. Transforming a mucky rn.-s-. of concrete and carefully places a brick as Terry Heavener pre-bricks into an orderly wall. Danny McGuire pares to scrape off excess cement. Vocational 63

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Bashed-up% cars requiring repair demand the attention of auto body students. During his three-hour class, Kurt Koneczny attempts to force out a dent from the inside. Mannequins are used by cosmetology students so they may perfect their skills before arranging live customers' hair. First year students Shirley Walker and Judy Kilbumc practice hair-setting techniques. Hidden wing exposed to view Intimate knowledge of the undercarriage is put Meticulous in his efforts to complete his to practical use by Greg Chamblee as he over- machine diagram, John Brittle takes pains to hauls the rear end of a car. make sure his design is correct. 62 Vocational

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Intently watching Kurt Koneczny bump out a dent from the inside, James Grayson pauses in his work on a battered Camaro. Forcefully using a slide knocker, Kurt Koneczny uses his foot for leverage. Bruised