Woodruff students engage in battle of the brains all week long

PEORIA (25News Now) - This week, Woodruff Career and Technical Center students are going head-to-head, putting their unique skills to the test.

This is all happening as the school hosts its ‘Team Challenge.’ Throughout the week, students across ten categories in different programs compete against each other in challenges judged by outside experts. Instructors say it’s a chance to not only push their skills to the limit, but learn from those with experience.

In culinary arts, the ‘Mystery Box’ challenge requires students to create a meal that has to include random ingredients. Chefs from throughout the area are stopping by to help with judging, while giving feedback on students’ work.

“Those essential skills that everyone needs to possess in order to be successful in your career, they do come into play, especially in a competition,” says Jetty Miedema, Woodruff Culinary Arts Teacher and Program Coordinator. “Time management, critical thinking, teamwork, these are all skills that they can take with them in the future whenever they need them.”

For cosmetology students, a wig install class is this week’s focus. A guest presenter is teaching students how to apply and care for wig application.

It’s not just a skill they can use professionally...But one they can take home to use too.

“I feel like it’s real beneficial, because not every high school in Peoria has the benefits that Woodruff has. It sets us up for after high school, so we don’t get out of high school and not do anything, we just learn something while we’re here,” says Diamond Shelley, a Junior at Manual High School.

Woodruff’s courses offer Peoria Public Schools students a chance to gain skills in popular industries. They earn credits and certifications as they learn, often getting job offers after they graduate.