Sears Wins Dozer State Championship
mrandolphadvance@gmail.com
Toombs County High School Student Ryder Sears came out on top on Tuesday, December 9, as he was named the Heavy Equipment Operations Dozer State Champion.
Toombs County High School held the state’s second annual Heavy Equipment Operations State Championship on Monday, December 8, and Tuesday, December 9, at the Toombs County Agriculture Center. The school began the inaugural heavy equipment pathway in Spring 2021 and was the first school in the state to offer its students the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience on operating bulldozers and excavators.
“An opportunity like this is truly once in a lifetime to be able to create a new educational option that further prepares students for life after high school. Also, continued from page
this would not be possible without the support and enthusiasm from local industry, such as McLendon Enterprises,” Superintendent Barry Waller emphasized.
The goal of this program is to equip high school students with the skills to operate heavy machinery and equipment. These skills will allow graduates to enter the workforce prepared to be a valuable accessory to industries and to earn good salaries. “In essence, where normal students entering the workforce after high school will make around $30,000, students who complete this pathway will be able to make upward of $40,000 to $50,000 per year,” Waller added. He stressed the need for these kinds of skilled laborers in local industries. “Both Chicken of the Sea and McLendon Enterprises have repeatedly shared that they need equipment operators.”
The program is led by teacher Tom Brodnax, who has now had over 40 students complete the pathway’s classes. “Out of 24 years of education, this is the single greatest thing I’ve ever been involved with,” Brodnax remarked. “When I first started teaching, I came in to get kids into college. Now, yes, I still support that, but I’m seeing kids get out of this program going straight into industry jobs. This thing is taking off; it’s unbelievable.”
A total of 29 schools from across the state traveled to Toombs County to compete in excavator and dozer challenges, simulator events, and hands-on industry activities. Throughout the competition, students are able to showcase real-world skills, meet industry professionals, and represent their schools with pride.
“Opportunities like this show the strength of our CTAE programs, the partnerships we’ve built, and our commitment to preparing students for high-demand career pathways,” Toombs County High School Principal Marissa Morris commented. “A huge ‘thank you’ to our TCHS Heavy Equipment Operations teacher Tom Brodnax, our sponsors,
MULTIPLE EVENTS – The Heavy Equipment Operations State Championship featured several events of competition with excavators, dozers, and simulators.
