![Adding a tray of canned corn to the pile, junior Michael Collop assists in transporting donations for the Holiday Food Drive. The event, hosted schoolwide from Dec. 10-17, raised over 5,000 food items to deliver to the Parkway Food Pantry, helping several families in need. [The drive] is a great thing for us to do because you're giving to those who are less fortunate, and it helps provide for people who can't provide for themselves. [The] competition is always fun, too. It was fun to be in [social studies teacher Jess] Chazen’s class, because he always gets worked up over [the competition]. He made it exciting, and was always convincing us to turn in cans for the drive,” Collop said.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/feature-photo-unsung-2.png)
![NEW CHALLENGE, NEW TEAM MEMBERS: Every season, VEX creates a new game that robotics team members are faced with and have to build a robot to compete in. This year’s game forces students to create a robot that is able to stack rings onto mobile goals in order to score points. The change in games each season is something that robotics teacher Audrea Moyers appreciates.
“One of the things that I like about VEX is that they have a new problem to solve every year,” she said. ¨Even though the equipment’s the same, they have to analyze the game, and they have to come up with solutions that are unique that year. They are using their knowledge from prior years, but they have to kind of redesign a problem.”
As returning teams were faced a new game, some new teams and members had to adapt to a uncommon playing field and game.
“Three of our four teams were competing for the first time this year, and they had very different experiences match to match, so I think they learned a lot,¨ she said. ¨It’s hard just watching a video online to know how it’s actually going to be in person, so they all learned a lot about what gameplay is like, how to work with an alliance partner [and] how to adapt during the day to changes.”](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_9283-1-1200x800.jpg)
The Welding Woman
Ross to Take on Male-Dominated Field
Camron Meehan
Junior Eliza Ross welds in the booth during her welding class through the LRCC.
April 3, 2023
Many courses offered through the Lost River Career Cooperative can lead to jobs right out of high school. From nursing to engineering, numerous course offerings have helped students get a jump start on life after high school.
Junior Eliza Ross has been in the welding classes through the Lost River Career Cooperative for two years. Ross decided to try welding her freshman year just for fun, but found that she was a natural.
“Not very many women are in this trade, I can’t recommend it to anyone because it’s really based on your own interests,” said Ross.
LRCC Welding Teacher Doug Elliott said only around 12 girls have completed the program successfully.
Ross has an amazing support system while in the class not traditionally one girls enroll in.
“My friends didn’t expect it but my dad supported me and my decision to pursue welding,” said Ross.
Ross has already started planning for her future in welding.
“After I graduate I plan on applying to the Union in the Bloomington district to go through a five-year apprenticeship program,” said Ross.
While doing the apprenticeship program, Ross also plans on working full-time.
“Through the union I will have classes two nights a week all while having a full time job,” said Ross.
College was never a first choice for Ross, yet she found her passion elsewhere with welding.
“I knew I didn’t want to go to college so I had to look into some trades to find some options that didn’t require college,” said Ross.
Elliott says that there is always a high demand for welders and ultimately great opportunities for jobs.
“Almost every manufacturing industry requires welders for repairing or maintenance of equipment. Infrastructure repair and improvements also require welders. There’s also apprenticeship training programs,” said Elliott.
According to Indeed, a job website, the average welder makes around $15 to $30 dollars an hour.
Elliott believes that Ross has a great work ethic and is on track to receive her Entry Welder Certification.
This story was originally published on PHS Media News on March 31, 2023.
