Computer repair students prepare for Tech Fest

By now, I'm sure you've heard about our HUGE annual event that is coming up Jan. 30: Tech Fest. At least I hope you've heard about it. If not, you can find all kinds of details here.

In short, it's a big open house that features each of EVIT's nearly 40 programs in a fun way. This year is shaping up to be the best so far, with a crane simulator in construction, photo shoots in multimedia, SWAT demonstrations in law enforcement, and a dunk tank over by the Health Sciences Center.

Yes, that's right. A dunk tank. If you can show off your medical knowledge and/or donate to autism research, you can toss a ball to try to dunk one of your favorite health teachers.

Students and teachers have been busy this month preparing for Tech Fest and other upcoming competitions. I stopped by the computer repair class today, where some students showed me what they've been cooking up. One student demonstrated a robotic arm that moves around at all angles and can pick up objects:


And then I got to check out an underwater computer that actually works. You'll be able to try it out at Tech Fest:


The computer repair crew also will have a display board of various computer parts set up, as well as a TALKING computer. If you visit the EVIT campus for Tech Fest, be sure to check this program out.

Meet your Mister & Miss EVIT candidates

We held two assemblies at EVIT today -- one in the morning and one in the afternoon -- to introduce the Mister and Miss EVIT final candidates to the student body.

The candidates explained why they felt they would make the best Mister or Miss EVIT and answered a variety of personality questions, such as their favorite movie, food, and car.

Here are the AM candidates:



And the PM candidates:


Students can vote on their favorite Mister and Miss by throwing spare change into each candidate's jar in Building 1. The Mister and Miss (one each from morning and afternoon) with the most cash by Tech Fest on Jan. 30 will be crowned!

The money goes to a good cause, too: Mesa United Way. So, vote vote vote!

The latest in EVIT aviation

EVIT aviation students have been busy lately!

First-year aviation students were able to put their classroom theory of aerodynamics and systems into practice by using flight training simulators for both airplanes and helicopters.


We're also very proud of Matt Schmit, a student in the private pilot class. Matt completed his Private Pilot check ride during the winter break -- a very challenging accomplishment! Congrats, Matt!

Mister and Miss EVIT finalists

Congratulations to the Mister and Miss EVIT finalists!

Mister EVIT - AM:

Nicholas Sampson - Multimedia

Marc Reidhead - Medical Assistant

Miss EVIT - AM:

Briana Jordan - Cosmetology

Charity Fuller - CNA

Taylor Blades - Cosmetology

Rachel Fay Young - CNA

Monica Domschot - Massage Therapy
Mariah Dewald - Cosmetology

Mister EVIT - PM:

Cruz Olguin - Electronics

Daniel Cavaco - Surgical Technology

Miss EVIT - PM:

Daisy De Los Santos - Nursing Assistant

Monica Leftwich - Cosmetology

Sandra Ruiz - Interior Design

Jessica Watson - Cosmetology


The winners will be announced at Tech Fest on Jan. 30.

EVIT board elects new president

The EVIT governing board has a new leader! Garry Hays was unanimously elected as board president by his fellow members at Monday night's meeting. He'll be in charge of leading the board meetings and helping to develop meeting agendas.

Superintendent Dr. Sally Downey took a moment during Monday's meeting to present a plaque of appreciation to former board president Irv Heimbuck (on the right in the photo below) for his service and to congratulate Mr. Hays (on the left) on his new role.


Board member Dolores Watkins will continue in her role as board clerk.

EVIT hosts SCORE social media event

Feel like being a little social?

EVIT is hosting a social media workshop, presented by Greater Phoenix SCORE, that is sure to get you up to speed on all the latest and greatest in social media.

Attendees will learn all about the essential social media tools, they'll hear success stories from companies that have a solid social media strategy, and they will be able to discuss their particular needs with a round table of experts.

The event will be held Jan. 14 -15 in the main auditorium on EVIT's campus.

Sound cool? Click here for more information and to register.

Let EVIT massage students work their magic

Still a little tense from all the holiday shopping, baking and socializing? Perhaps the EVIT massage students can help loosen you up a bit.

The program's public clinic is opening up Jan. 21 and will be open each Thursday and Friday for the entire spring semester in EVIT's Health Sciences Center. Massages are just $5 for each half hour.

Think about that. For just $10, you could get a refreshing, hour-long massage, while also doing a good deed -- helping the students improve their massage and customer service skills!

Make your appointment today by calling (480) 461-4184. Available appointment are: 7:30, 8:40 and 9:50 a.m., and 12:15, 1:30 and 2:45 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.