DUNCANVILLE ISD Recognizes TSPS' SkillsUSA Efforts

(Submitted by Chris Freeman, TSPS Public Relations Chair)

At the April 13^th Duncanville ISD School Board Meeting, Bill Coleman and Chris Freeman represented the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors in accepting a Special Recognition for its support of the Duncanville High School Skills/USA Survey Program.  The televised event included comments by Barton Burnett, Faculty Advisor, who complemented TSPS at both the state and local level, for their strong commitment and partnership with the school during the past two years.  He mentioned that no other industry could compare to the support, dedication, and commitment that TSPS had demonstrated.  He added that through this unique partnership, his Engineering Technology group has seen a dramatic increase in interested students, including an unprecedented 50 pre Advanced Placement incoming 9^th graders for next Fall, and a growing number of female students interested in the various Engineering programs.  He credited the work of local Dallas Chapter No. 5 members and firms, who have donated monies,  internships, and equipment, and provided professionals to speak, present, assist, and mentor to both high school and middle school students within Duncanville ISD.  As part of the recognition ceremony, a donated Total Station was displayed before the Board members.  Chris Freeman spoke briefly, informing the Board that the TSPS support is strong and will continue, and that the relationship our professional society has with the District serves as a model for other local Chapters of TSPS to build similar relationships with their local schools.  All in all, a great evening for all members of TSPS.

As a footnote, it is interesting to remember that Mr. Burnett attended the inaugural Educator’s Retreat held in June of 2007.  From that 3 day event, he came away with a knowledge of a profession that he has been able to promote and share with his students.  At the recently concluded statewide Skills/USA competition held in Corpus Christi  on April 2-4, Duncanville survey teams placed 1^st and 4^th .  Their teams are composed entirely of freshman, sophomores, and juniors.

Hopefully the efforts of other TSPS members will be as fruitful as those here in North Central Texas.