Girl Power to the Max Showcases CNC Skills of High School Girls Across Region
After being postponed by a late January winter storm, the fifth annual Girl Power to the Max competition was successfully held Feb. 11 at the De Queen-Mena Educational Service Cooperative in Gillham, showcasing the technical skills and creativity of high school girls from across the region.
Girl Power to the Max highlights student-created projects using CN machining, laser engraving and related technologies. All entries are designed and produced by female students enrolled in career and technical education pathways. The statewide event brought together students, educators and industry representatives for both competition and career exploration.
According to Beau McCastlain, career and technical education coordinator for the cooperative, the program was built from the ground up by Stacey Sutherland about five years ago. What began as a local initiative has grown into a platform that showcases the advanced CNC skills high school girls in the region have developed.
“It’s more than just a contest,” McCastlain said.
In addition to judging student projects, industry representatives evaluated entries and spoke directly with students, creating valuable networking opportunities. McCastlain said the event helps connect education to local industry and workforce needs.
“It allows girls to have one-on-one conversations with people in the field and learn more about industries they already have skills for,” he said.
The competition, which originated at the cooperative, expanded into a full statewide format last year with more than $500,000 in grant funding. This year’s event continued that momentum with approximately $300,000 in support.
Organizers also placed increased emphasis on agricultural technology and computer science, made possible through recent grants that supplied new laser engraving equipment to several regional programs.
Area winners included students from Horatio, Nashville, Ashdown, De Queen, Foreman and Mount Ida.
In the Metal CNC contest, Ina Martz of Horatio High School earned first place, while Lily McLelland and Abi Webb of Nashville High School placed second.
Businesses, industries or organizations interested in supporting Girl Power to the Max or future events may contact the De Queen-Mena Educational Service Cooperative at (479) 385-4319 for more information.