Carbon Career & Technical Institute Joint Operating Committee focused on student success this month.

Students who competed, and won, in competitions for DECA, SkillsUSA, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Safety Contest, and PA Middle School Computer Fair presented their winning entries and awards to the committee.

Jocelyn Muffley is a junior in the carpentry class competing in the SkillsUSA Occupational Health and Safety contest. Team members Kyle Edwards and Cassidy Englert were not able to attend the meeting. Their four projects, including a 115-page book they created, addressed the areas of school safety, machine safety, workplace safety and safety glasses.

In February, 47 DECA students attended the 2019 DECA State Career Development Conference in Hershey. During the three-day competition, the CCTI Chapter earned the “Thrive Award” for completion of national campaigns in the areas of Community Service, Global Entrepreneurship, and DECA Advocacy. The chapter also was recognized for earning the highest level of the State Action Plan and for raising the highest amount, $2218, for Lauren’s First and Goal. CCTI was also presented with the Helping Hands Plaque for their efforts. During the mini-awards ceremony, 25 students earned 49 medals. Overall winners for the 2019 DECA State Conference were:

• Alyssa Halada and Rebekah Lorah — first place Chapter Awards Program and Thrive Award winners

• Maia Lacy, Emily Devonshire, and Cora Ritchie — third place Chapter Banner

• Carussa Burger, Tabitha Hardy, and Kayla Nothstein — fourth place Chapter Community Service and qualifying for Nationals

• Bryce Rivera — second place Integrated Marketing and qualifying for Nationals

• Rachael Dickson — sixth place Business Services Operations Research

• Skyler Graver — first place Chapter Public Relations Campaign and qualifying for Nationals

• Josh Nelson — fifth place Job Interview

• Rayann Wilder — third place Job Interview

Five students participated in the PennDOT Safety Contest and had the opportunity to tour the PennDOT facility in Allentown. While visiting, students were able to see and work with the 40-plus traffic cameras scanning the region. Tabitha Hardy, Carissa Burger and Shelby George created a poster board titled “Cops and Cameras.” Students Gabe Henry and Ben Roberti were not able to attend the JOC meeting, but had their poster board titled “Smile, You’re On Camera” on display.

Graphic Design students, Crysta Strohl, John McQuail, Sierra Bauer and Samantha Nenscel competed in the 2019 PA High School Computer Fair. Strohl and McQuail took first place, while Bauer and Nenscel took second for their projects in the 2020 PA Media and Design High School Competition.