BRUNSWICK

Brunswick’s Region 10 Technical High School welcomed students, parents and community members to their annual open house last night. The gathering showcased the school’s various programs — like nursing, auto collision repair and culinary arts — to the community as well as to prospective families thinking of enrolling their children. The evening included hands on explanations and demonstrations of school programs, a free raffle, a job fair and a college fair. The event was catered by the school’s Culinary Arts program, with plenty of food to go around.

“There is a real energy and enthusiasm around here that is very contagious,” said Assistant Director of Student Services Cindy Hutchins. “Our new director, Nancy Weed, is putting a tremendous emphasis on connecting to the community. We’ve raised the bar this year.”

Hutchins said that more than half of R10’s students have been involved in helping the school prepare for this event, with many showing up before the event to sweep and clean windows.

“The preparation began last year when it ended,” said Emma Hughes, a junior in R10’s Certified Nursing Assistant program who was handing out raffle tickets and explaining her program to passersby. “This is something we all look forward to all year. Being here as an ambassador for my program has been really fun.”

The raffle items were displayed behind a glass window in the school lobby, and included crafts built by R10’s shop students. Handmade items included an Adirondack chair, a tool box and a wooden cupboard. Tickets were handed out at the door and were free of charge.

In addition to the raffle, folks were playing games for prizes.

“They’re doing a bean bag toss downstairs for $100,” said Hughes. “Everyone goes a little insane for this, but it’s a good insane.”

Hutchins said she had talked to many people who weren’t involved in the school but had “just popped in to say hello.”

Additionally, the open house featured job and college fairs run by local businesses, military recruiters and speakers from 20 different colleges and technical schools. Students who participated in the fairs received free gas cards.

“The students are pretty excited,” said Hutchins. “This is a display of how people feel about Region 10.”

bgoodridge@timesrecord.com

Comments are not available on this story.