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  BITA Dominates HBC’s 2007 Design/Build Competition Contact: Sarah Bruckner 949-553-9500 IRVINE, CA – The students of the Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA) at Katella High School in Anaheim were divided into two teams (one all boys and one all girls) for the 18th Annual Home Builders Council’s Design/Build Competition. The competing 16 student teams, from local high schools (including another BITA school, Anaheim’s Western High School) regional occupational programs (ROPs), youth build programs and community colleges, participated in the two day event. They were required to build a 6’x 8’ structure of either a playhouse, snack shack or yard barn, “this was the toughest year of competition yet; all teams put their best foot forward”, said Katella High School BITA instructor, John Puckett. Volunteer inspectors from Brookfield Homes, Valero Companies and the cities of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach critiqued each entry on code compliance, material use, safety and teamwork. Katella High School took home two trophies for the Build Competition: first place for their boy’s team and third place for their girl’s team. “The girls never gave up, even when they were down a few members of the team throughout the competition. They never complained and it was amazing to see them persevere and take third place for their playhouse structure”, said Puckett. The boys team, who last year were beat by the girls, constructed an impressive snack shack, “as I have been working with the boy’s team, I know their potential, but didn’t know how far it could go. They really took on leadership roles and worked as a team.” The Build Competition weren’t the only victories for Katella High School-John Puckett was awarded Best Overall Instructor. For six years, since the program’s inception, Puckett has been the BITA teacher and one that students respect, admire and look up to. “I didn’t see this coming! I am extremely honored to be recognized amongst the best of the best and this award could have been given to any of the other teachers as we all put in so much time and energy into our students”. Principal Eamon Kane is fortunate that the Anaheim Union High School District and Katella High School have such a perfect mentor for students and adults alike, “Mr. Puckett loves hi profession. His passion, creativity, discipline and rigor, coupled with high expectations for all students and himself, create an environment of respect amongst his students. He is the epitome of what everyone hopes for when their children attend school”. Congratulations to the BITA schools and John Puckett for their excellent participation in the 2007 Design/Build Competition. ### |
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