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

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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

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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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Auto body classes cover different phases of repair. Mr. James Bennett demonstrates to Calvin Dimsey how to weld a fender at the headlight. A badly rusted rear taillight is restored by John Bulger and Jeff Hale. The trunk will be repainted to match the original color. Rough spots on the rear fender of a Volk-wagon are smoothed out by Eddy Liggitt and Charles Bernhardt. After the sandpaper job is finished, students will refinish the entire car. Auto body students spend three hours every day learning about repair methods and putting their knowledge to use. All phases of auto body repair are covered; students leam what to do from the time a car is in an accident until it is completely repaired. First, an intensive safety course is taught. Then, students move on to leam about the total body and chassis. Writing out estimate sheets, pounding out dents, learning how to deal with insurance companies, and painting special designs are some of the areas covered. About one fourth of the class time is spent in lectures and three fourths are spent on actual work in the lab. The equipment used is up-to-date and the course keeps up with innovations in the field. Although advertising is mostly by word-of-mouth, the garage is always crowded. Depending on its damage, a car may wait as long as a year before being worked on. When the students reach fender repair, for example, the cars with damaged fenders are brought in and worked on. Offered at only three schools in the county, the auto body program at Marshall attracts students from Langley, Madison, Falls Church, and McLean High Schools. After completing the two-year program, most students take jobs, often specializing where they are talented. Others fix their own cars and the cars of friends. Although the program requires strength, dedication, and time, most students feel it is a rewarding and valuable experience. Auto Body 65