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HISTORY OF EASTERN ARIZONA COLLEGE SKILLS DAY

Skills Day originated in 1978 because the Eastern Arizona College Business Department wanted to host a competition for high school business students. During the first Skills Day only Graham and Greenlee county students attended. The highlight of the day was when EAC Business Instructor Ed Hunter hosted a special display of a new mini-computer nicknamed "Big Blue". According to Hunter, the cost of that computer was $150,000. At that time, there was skepticism because many thought the computer was just a "passing fad".

Thirty-one years later business and computers continue to host competitions along with all of the occupational areas and languages. Today, 36 schools are invited to Skills Day and approximately 14 attend, bringing 400 students onto campus to compete in 38 contests and to participate in various other activities.

By the way, that $150,000 Fox computer ("Big Blue") is still on campus. And that passing fad? We guess it is here to stay.

Think ahead 19 years to 2027 and the 50th Annual Skills Day. They will talk about the old-fashioned computers that were used back in our day.

We hope you will join us for the 31st annual Skills Day competitions.

Sincerely,

Gayrene Claridge
Skills Day Coordinator
928-428-8341
gayrene.claridge@eac.edu

 

PURPOSE OF SKILLS DAY

Eastern Arizona College Skills Day provides a valuable opportunity for program-validating competition for area high schools and for students to explore higher education options. Students are able to showcase the various skills they have learned in their high school career and technical education classes. Competitions offered include art/graphic design, business, CAD-drafting, computers, fire science, languages (French and Spanish), medical terminology, welding, machine shop, and woodworking. First, second, and third place ribbons are awarded in each of the 38 competitions. EAC tuition scholarships are also offered in some competitions. This year's additional activities include a large car show, U.S. Marines Obstacle Course, the U.S. Army rock-climbing wall and Laser Shot Tent, the U.S. Air Force Recruiter display, and the EAC Biology Department learning lab. The morning's activities culminate with a barbeque lunch hosted by Eastern Arizona College.