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Nathan Hale students win regional autos competition; board hears CTE showcase
Summary
Two Nathan Hale High School students who placed at the "Technician of Tomorrow" competition presented on March 17 about the hands-on skills, testing and employer interest their CTE program generated.
Two Nathan Hale High School students and their CTE instructor presented to the West Allis-West Milwaukee School Board on March 17 after winning top scores at a regional technical competition.
CTE teacher Mr. Hart described the program’s emphasis on active engagement, applied assessments and employability skills. He said the students took a 55-question light-maintenance-and-repair test used to qualify for the competition and then competed in hands-on skill stations that included electrical diagnosis, differential inspection and engine mechanical work.
Student presenters identified as Jackson and Alex said they earned the two highest individual scores on the qualifying test and that the competition included timed skill stations (students reported 10–15 minutes per station). They described diagnosing a vehicle from a customer work order, using precision measuring tools against manufacturer specifications, identifying additional issues and presenting recommended repairs. The students reported receiving contest awards that included scholarships and toolboxes; the transcript did not provide an exact total dollar value for those awards.
Mr. Hart and the students told the board the competition generated immediate employer interest: regional dealers and managers gave business cards and contacted students about job or internship opportunities. The presenter said the course prepares students for both postsecondary technical training and immediate entry-level work at dealerships.
Board members asked students about challenges in the contest. Students said the most difficult tasks involved electrical measurements and conversions under time pressure and working to manufacturer tolerances during timed engine work. Board members and the superintendent praised the program’s ability to connect academic subjects — math, English and science — to real-world technical work.
The presentation concluded with the board thanking students, staff and families for the demonstration and noting the district’s interest in expanding earlier exposure to CTE options.
