Former EVIT student returns to inspire and hire

East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) alumnus Bryan J. Kinnaird returned to share his success with students, and recruit future employees. Kinnaird is an award winning screenwriter and author/creator of the popular sci-fi graphic novel series THE VILLIKON CHRONICLES, and executive producer of the short film THE VILLIKON CHRONICLES: GENESIS OF EVIL.

Kinnaird was a student in the Radio/TV program at Mesa Vo Tech, the predecessor of EVIT, in 1986-87. He visited Eric Perez' 3D Animation program to recruit student employees to work on the VILLIKON CHRONICLES, and a cartoon reproduction of the immensely popular 1980's television series "Dallas."

EVIT is fortunate to have many successful graduates who often return to inspire...and hire...students who share their passion.

EVIT health students learn CPR

EVIT students in the Nursing Assistant and Allied Health programs were trained in CPR this week.

Students who completed the training from Heart Savers received a two-year certification for healthcare provider CPR.

Here are students in Ms. Thorson's afternoon class, practicing their breathing techniques on infant dummies:

EVIT auto students job shadow at local dealerships

EVIT automotive technology students spent a few days earlier this morning learning about vehicle parts, service and sales while job shadowing at car dealerships across the Southeast Valley.

The students spent their class time during three days this week getting an up-close look at the industry they hope to work in someday. The experience helps them figure out which career paths will best suit their interests, said Randy Baker, an automotive teacher at EVIT, a career and technical school in Mesa.

“It’s better to know now rather than later,” Baker said. “It really opens their eyes, to be able to see what goes on behind the scenes.”

Students even have the potential to land jobs at the dealerships by making contacts and doing well during their job shadowing.

Second-year EVIT automotive student Branden Aguirre said he learned how to work with tools he doesn’t normally use, during his shadowing at Riverview Toyota in Mesa.

“I like working on Japanese cars, so coming here was beneficial for me,” said Aguirre, 18, who also attends Sun Valley High School in Mesa.

First-year student Ricky Venzor, 15, said he wants to join the U.S. Marine Corps after high school and attend college before opening his own automotive shop. Attending EVIT has been beneficial for him because it has given him opportunities he wouldn’t otherwise have had, he said.

“It helps you figure out what you want to do; you learn a lot,” said Venzor, 15, who also attends Mountain View High School in Mesa. “Plus, you don’t have to do it after school, so that’s great.”

About 50 Southeast Valley car dealerships opened their doors to show students the ropes and allow them to shadow their employees. The partnership is beneficial for the dealerships, too, because it helps them meet future potential employees.

Riverview Toyota service manager Cory Oliver

said he likes hiring EVIT students because they already have a jumpstart on their education and are further in their training than most entry-level employees. And it helps them figure out what department would be a good fit for each student.

“They might think they want to do this, but they don’t really know what it is like,” Oliver said. “Or they might get into the parts department and think that’s cool and decide to get into that aspect of it.”

Interior Design unveils sets for Video class

EVIT Interior Design students held an open house this week to show off three sets they designed and built for the video productions class.

Each set was on display for a day or two in the video productions area. Video students will be able to use the set designs for a variety of class projects.

First up was a living room/dining room set:


Then a college dorm room set:


And finally, an office set:


I'm hoping their next project is my office.

Support EVIT students and get a lower tax bill

You can make a difference for students at the East Valley Institute of Technology while also saving money off your state tax bill!

In Arizona, residents can donate to public schools to support extracurricular activities. The amount of the donation then comes directly off that year’s state tax bill, dollar-for-dollar.

Single individuals can receive a credit for up to a $200 donation; married couples filing jointly can get a credit of up to $400.

For a married couple with a $500 state tax bill, that means they could make a donation of $400 and then only owe $100 in state taxes.

The funds go to support extracurricular activities, which are optional, educational activities that enhance and supplement a child’s education. These activities include educational field trips, student club fees, competition expenses, classroom enrichment and tutoring.

Community members who donate to EVIT can direct their donation into either a general school extracurricular activities fund or to a specific classroom teacher or program.

Contributions must be made by Dec. 31 to be eligible for the 2009 tax bill. Donate by clicking here, calling (480) 461-4137 or by visiting EVIT at 1601 W. Main Street in Mesa.