Courtesy of Rick Weaver

Christiansburg High School's welding lab saw improvements during the past year, including new welding booths, a new ventilation system and a power boost.

Students at Christiansburg High School this semester are taking advantage of upgrades to the career and technical education wing's welding lab.

Over the past year, school CTE and facilities workers spruced up the school's former lab, which had been used for part-time welding and half-time agriculture studies, said Rick Weaver, CTE director.

Now, the lab offers 12 industry-standard welding booths that can give students hands-on lessons on MIG, TIG and stick welding.

In the past, students had worked solely on stick welding, a more old-fashioned method.

In addition to the booths, the lab also has a new ventilation system and upgrades to the electrical capacity of the shop.

The changes, which are the result of a three-year long assessment of the CTE program, come as a precursor to what Weaver hopes will one day be a two-year welding program that will offer dual credit enrollment with New River Community College.

Right now, the future of that idea is uncertain because of pending budget constraints, Weaver said.

Radford to dedicate its new school this weekend

The doors to the new Belle Heth Elementary School on Radford's George Street will be opened at 2 p.m. Sunday for a community open house and a formal celebration.

Radford's $17.6 million-school includes students through grade three and is considered a state-of-the-art facility. It replaced a 50-year-old building and uses technological advances in heating and cooling as well as lighting.

Refreshments and a chance to tour the school will be available.

Course aimed at science exploration

High school juniors have three weeks left to apply for the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars Program, a NASA-developed course designed to broaden their knowledge in science, engineering, technology and math.

The program is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and NASA Langley Research Center.

If selected, students take an online course beginning in December that could lead to selection for an all-expense-paid, six-day summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center. The class gives students the chance to receive two college credits.

To apply, go online to www.vasts.spacegrant.org.

Students must be 16 and have a 2.7 GPA.

Race to benefit elementary school

Belview Elementary School's parent teacher association will host its Pumpkin Run Oct. 24 at Bisset Park.

Proceeds from the registration fee, which is $15 if completed by Thursday, will benefit the school. Racers can choose a 5K run or walk, or a 1-mile and 100-yard option for younger children.

Racers will be eligible for drawings for gift certificates and more.

Same-day registration begins at 8 a.m. at Shelter No. 2 in the park in Radford.