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<\/a>stand, and they proved once again, Jones students are the team to beat in this newly introduced competition category.\u00a0 The freshmen spent a lot of time preparing and researching for this competition to come up with something anyone could relate to and appreciate.<\/p>\n\u201cWe knew when we first met in class that we could work together on this project and be successful.\u00a0 We all had a part in the process, from creating, tweaking to each presentation before judges. I\u2019m glad our efforts have allowed us to be successful on a national level,\u201d said C.J. Hoodless.<\/p>\n
The students said their instructors guided them throughout the process to prepare for any competition. Civil engineering technology instructor, Ryan Hearn said he sent the team back to the \u201cdrawing board\u201d when their efforts could be improved. Leading by example and pushing them further than they thought they could go, Hearn witnessed their determination as the team continually sought ways to make their product better. Both Hearn and CAD-engineering technology instructor, Karen Kirk stressed, while the Jones instructors were very involved in the process, the Standi-Strap is the students\u2019 invention, including the original design idea.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Hearn and I had unique and different roles with this team event. I taught this team 3D modeling and printing and assisted them with printing and drawing\/model refinement. However, Mr. Hearn helped them understand how to gather, interpret and report data, how to make a presentation which had to include a detailed record of their design process in the form of a notebook, create a bulletin board display and a PowerPoint presentation. Each of these forms of communication had specific requirements which are listed in the technical standards for this contest,\u201d explained Kirk.<\/p>\n
All three students are majoring in CAD-engineering technology. However, Hammonds will continue in this field and plans to major in mechanical engineering at Mississippi State University after graduation from Jones College next May. Hearn coached the students through the product development and competition using engineering processes while applying the technical skills Kirk taught the students.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur instructors at Jones and even some of our high school teachers trained us for this project,\u201d said Lakelin Smith. \u201cWe are successful today because our teachers helped sharpen our skills to pursue projects like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jones won the first year in the new engineering design and technology category at the 2018 state competition. The invention of a manual trash-compactor for the garbage can by a different team earned seventh-place honors at the national SkillsUSA competition. The 2019 team kept the winning<\/a> streak alive by capturing first place in the engineering design and technology category at the SkillsUSA state competition in April. They ensured their spot at nationals by not only winning but by also earning the judge\u2019s score of 80 percent with a required 70 percent or above. Their invention also had to pass inspection with industry leaders. At the SkillsUSA National competition, this year\u2019s team impressed everyone by scoring 90.5!<\/p>\n