I ran into my first high school shop teacher (that's what we called it back then) the other day.  He was a big and kind man, a little rough around the edges, but he was usually smiling.  The class I took from him was industrial plastics.

Many of you will recall making fiberglass trays, soap dishes, corncob holders, duck decoys, and etc.  I still remember the smell as you mix the resin and the catalyst before pouring into the mold, or mixing into the fiberglass mat.

Well, one year I took on a big project.  It was a fiberglass playing table with built-in cups to hold playing chips or coins, or whatever (you can probably tell I don't know much about playing cards).  I don't recall for whom I was making it, but it was a big project.  My shop teacher was so impressed he entered my project in a VICA contest.  By golly, it won first place or grand prize or something.

The reason this sounds quite vague is because that is the only experience I had with a vocational high school student leadership organization while I was in high school.  I have had excellent education throughout my life but the one thing I think would have really helped me reach nearer my potential earlier in life, would have been involvement in a high school vocational student leadership association.  I don't care which student association it is; as educators we have the responsibility to help our students reach their fullest potential.  We can't force them, but those who do participate gain great skills that we very seldom see obtained in the classroom.

Be the best student association advisor you can be and continue to encourage each of your students to reach their fullest potential.

My old shop teacher is still a big, gruff, kindly man.  Every now and again, though, I wish someone had pushed me a little harder towards activity in a student leadership association.

Ron Patterson, President

At the most recent ACTE Delegate Assembly the "Standard Membership" dues for ACTE were increased from $40 to $60 per year (some of the other membership levels were also increased).  The cost of operations and the cost of the benefits provided by ACTE have continued to rise over the years while the dues have remained the same for over a decade.  Since ACTE members want to keep the benefits they have been receiving, it necessary to raise the dues.  As your representatives from Idaho we did vote against the dues increase, but the majority does rule.

ACTE has been a very good legislative watchdog for Career and Technical Education in Washington, DC, which does benefit each of our programs.  We would hope that Idaho Career and Technical Educators would continue to support ACTE even at the higher dues level.  We also hope that all of you will continue to be active in your respective affiliated divisions.  Thank you for all the hard work you do to help students succeed.

Ron Patterson
CTEI President

Check your calendar and plan to attend.  Remember, there are some $200 stipends available for new professionals.  Check your Techniques magazine for an application.

Opening keynote speaker:  Billy Mills
1964...Tokyo, Japan...American Billy Mills glistened brighter than any star in the eastern sky.  It was on that night, Billy Mills created one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history--winning the 10,000-meter run with a stunning come-from-behind-finish that suddenly made him a national treasure.  In the 100 years of the Olympic games, Billy Mills is the only American ever to win this event.  When the race was over, the press and the crowd were so shocked that Billy was stopped from running the traditional victory lap.  "Who are you?" one person from the press asked in disbelief.  As a speaker, Billy gave an inspiring and thought- provoking message on diversity.

General Session speaker:  Mark Eaton
Not long ago, when fans in Utah would corner Mark Eaton, they usually wanted to talk Jazz basketball and - just maybe - get his autograph.  Why not?  For 12 seasons, Eaton was the Jazz's 7'4" center.  He turned shotblocking into an art form and, while doing so, helped transform Utah to a title contender.  He became a folk hero in Utah, and a cornerstone of the Jazz franchise.  Mark started his career as an auto mechanic.  Today, however, Eaton's biggest fans don't talk basketball.  Instead, they want to discuss the dinner they've had while visiting Eaton's marvelously successful restaurant, Tuscany.  Mark gave some excellent thoughts on how to pursue your dreams while keeping your feet on the ground.

Once again Idaho was honored. 
Gary Quinn received the Innovative Program award for Idaho.  His excellent program promotes students using problem skills and technology to address real-life problems.  One of his classes' accomplishments was the building of an electric car.  (See his and other excellent programs highlighted at the new Program Spotlight booth at the CTEI Summer Conference Trade Show.)

Workshops were held in Twin Falls and Pocatello to provide time for reflection and planning.  Participants had a chance to think about their school counseling/guidance program and prepare for a change.  For a look at a comprehensive school guidance/counseling model, go to www.idahocounselor.org/isca.

ICGA looks forward to our annual summer conference "Planning for Performance."  We are anticipating a lively membership drive, business meetings, luncheon, and new activities.  Awards will be given to outstanding members of our guidance community.