Gentry hosts governor's work force exhibit

Photo by Mike Eckels Ger Xiong (center) tries his hand at the welding test station as Scott Calloway, a guide, looks on. Xiong and Calloway were part of the “Be Pro Be Proud” interactive traveling exhibit which was on display in the student parking area at Gentry High School April 7.
Photo by Mike Eckels Ger Xiong (center) tries his hand at the welding test station as Scott Calloway, a guide, looks on. Xiong and Calloway were part of the “Be Pro Be Proud” interactive traveling exhibit which was on display in the student parking area at Gentry High School April 7.

GENTRY -- Gentry High School played host to Governor Asa Hutchinson's "Be Pro Be Proud" traveling interactive exhibit April 7 in the parking area at Gentry High School.

Students from grades 10-12 toured the exhibit, led by exhibit guides Jim Beatty and Scott Calloway.

The "Be Pro Be Proud" program was started in response to the growing deficiency in the skilled labor force in Arkansas.

"Right now, Arkansas' workforce is facing a challenge. Over 23 percent of the current skilled professionals are at or near retirement age. But our state's workforce isn't prepared to fill the positions our retiring workers are creating. Now is the time to act. By changing how Arkansans think about the job opportunities provided by skilled professions, we can inspire today's youth and lead them, and our state, down the path to prosperity," the beprobeproud.org website states.

Gentry students were able to get some hands-on experiences in welding, plumbing, electrical and diesel mechanics. At the end of the exhibit area was a hand-eye coordination test which several students also tried.

The "Be Pro Be Proud" exhibit will be at Siloam Springs High School on April 20. For more information, call 524-5134 for exhibit hours.

General News on 04/13/2016