The 42nd annual Georgia CTI State Leadership Conference (SLC) held at Rock Eagle 4-H Center April 17-19, 2024, brought together 600 students from 92 schools across the state. This three-day event, supported by 97 CTI Coordinators, 46 ParaProfessionals and 140 volunteer judges, focused on developing essential employability skills, including communication, collaboration, creativity, and leadership.
The heart of SLC was the 29 pathway competitions, where over 430 students showcased their creativity and skills. For those not competing, a Leadership Class led by CTI Coordinators, Board Members, and Rock Eagle Educational Staff provided enriching experiences.
Beyond competitions, the conference featured student performances including singing, baton twirling, motivational speeches, and dancing. The atmosphere was vibrant and encouraging, emphasizing personal growth and camaraderie.
Participants also enjoyed recreational activities like a silent disco, s'mores roast, canoeing, water slides, gaming trucks, and Kona Ice breaks.
A significant moment was the State Officer elections, with 22 students vying for leadership roles. The new team was announced during the Awards Ceremony on Friday morning, celebrating achievements and bidding farewell to outgoing officers.
Swainsboro High School had 19 students who participated at SLC. All 19 students from SHS competed at different levels and in a variety of events ranging from Public Speaking to Occupational Creative Thinking. Kynslie Crapps placed 2nd in Community Civic Awareness and Areuna Edwards placed 2nd in Culinary Arts. Mrs. Sandra Mason is the SHS CTI coordinator and Region 2 Director for GA CTI.
Georgia CTI extends deep appreciation to all contributors—Georgia Department of Education, Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education staff (CTAE), Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), FCCLA and Georgia TSA judging, CTI Coordinators, ParaProfessionals, bus drivers, nurses, judges, volunteers, and Rock Eagle 4-H Center staff—for making SLC 2024 an unforgettable success.
