Engineers Week Declared For Bradley County

  • Saturday, February 18, 2017

Bradley County High School students in CAD and engineering classes gathered on Friday, Feb. 17, to hear from Wacker Polysilicon Vice President and Site Manager Mary Beth Hudson about engineering career opportunities. In recognition of Wacker’s involvement with the schools, Bradley County Mayor issued a proclamation declaring Engineers Week for Bradley County.

“WACKER hires the best and the brightest: we want our employees to rank among the very best in the business,” said Ms. Hudson. “Since we began our BEST Partnership with Bradley Central High School last year, I have learned much more about the excellent education students here receive, providing them with readiness to grow and excel. I am very proud—and I hope you are, too—of what you have accomplished, and I look forward to hearing more about the projects you are presenting today. I hope one day to see you around our plant in responsible production roles.”

“Bradley County Schools have been very successful in the introduction of the STEM educational structure,” said Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis. “We’re here today to not only highlight what our local educational systems are providing, but to also highlight the successful partnerships with these school systems and local industries such as Wacker who help with providing additional support regarding what is needed by industries to successfully compete in the global marketplace.”

The mayor read the proclamation to the students. He thanked Wacker for bringing technical and advanced manufacturing opportunities to the community, as well as for increasing support for STEM education in our local schools.

Bradley County High School Principal Todd Shoemaker recognized the students for their hard work, and encouraged them to continue to push themselves.

“You are pushing yourselves and looking at the next step in your life, and this is what today is about,” said Mr. Shoemaker. “We are here for you and we want you to be successful. Thank you to Wacker for what you have done, thank you to Mary Beth: you have been incredible to work with. We’re so pleased that we’re able to work with a company that cares so much about their community and about the students. We want our students to be college- and life-ready. At Bradley County High School, that’s what we are focused on.”

State Representative Dan Howell addressed the students, identifying them as future mechanical, civil, chemical and electrical engineers.

“I’m glad to see the culmination of this partnership,” said Rep. Howell. “What we’re seeing is the result of something that started in Nashville, our Governor and our former economic development commissioner Randy Boyd pushing the idea of workforce development. It takes partnerships like this, and I am so appreciative of Wacker and what they do in partnering with school systems throughout Bradley County. I knew coming in that Wacker was going to a great corporate citizen, and you’ve proven that to us. I am so appreciative of what you have done for these students.”

“There is a broad range of opportunities available to you,” Rep. Howell said to the students. “You’re not going to have to leave Bradley County to find a good-paying job. I wish you well in the future. Get a good education, and you will find a good job waiting for you.”

Two students who participate in the advanced manufacturing mentorship program between Wacker and the school presented several projects on which they have worked during the school year.

“We start our class with very simple drawings, a few basic shapes in the CAD programs,” said Alex Gutsol, Bradley County High School student. “By the end of class, you’re easily capable of drawing rockets and even 3D printing them, as we did, and we launched them with fully deployable parachutes to retrieve them. This class is very fun.”

Bradley County High School student Patrick Brown delivered a presentation on the programs used at the school, showcasing various models they designed and eventually printed in 3D to learn how to use CAD software.  

“Some of the CAD programs that we use, Auto Desk Inventor and Solid Works, we are working now to earn a certification in those programs,” said Mr. Brown.

“National Engineers Week is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers,” said Ms. Hudson to the students. “Engineering is the constant discovery of ways to improve our lives. So to you, I encourage you to continue to pursue this exciting career path—it is a job that is creative, collaborative and never dull.”

The Mayor’s Proclamation reads as follows:

Whereas; in 2017 the recognition of National Engineers Week will be held nationally during the 19th – 25th of February. Many events are planned across our great land, and also locally.

Whereas; the many benefits of engineering studies are far reaching. Those who have dedicated their time and efforts to master this difficult and sometimes overlooked career choice have chosen a truly remarkable career pathway that in many ways is a public service to us all.

Whereas; in a significant way of honoring the actual birthday of George Washington during their week-long celebration they also pay tribute to him as also being one of the country’s first engineers. From the early times to present day, the engineer has helped solve many of the technological challenges of our history. Building design, disaster recovery, space exploration, travel advancements, manufacturing improvements and numerous patents, ALL had an engineering component. For many it is not just a job, it is a calling.

Whereas; locally our community has been blessed with many engineering minds, businesses and industries. Included in this group is one of our newest additions to the manufacturing landscape that has become synonymous with giving back to the community. Wacker Polysilicon NA has helped to bring more technical and advanced manufacturing opportunities to our community. They have also joined with the many others across our community who help by increasing support for STEM education in our local schools. In addition to sending engineers to many of our local educational facilities this week to engage with students in hands-on STEM activities, they will also be sending several hundred of our students to see the new IMAX 3D Movie, Dream Big – Engineering Wonders of the World.

Whereas; education starts at home, is combined with opportunities that are available in our schools and further cultivated by individual determination and dreams. It is up to each of us to help the next generation to find their passion and future career paths. If you know of a student who may find the Engineering concept interesting please join with me in helping to promote

Engineers Week

Now, Therefore, I, D. Gary Davis, Bradley County Mayor, do hereby proclaim Feb. 19 – 25, 2017 as Engineers Week throughout Bradley County.

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