On Tuesday, February 20 nineteen students from six area high schools converged on the Marked Tree campus of Arkansas State University-Newport for the annual Energy Control Competition. This event was hosted by ASU-Newport's Energy Control Technology program, and a total of $12,000 in scholarships was awarded to the winning participants.  The purpose of the contest was to provide the competitors with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the industry relevant to safety-oriented procedures and hands-on applications, both through practical and theoretical application.  The competition included tests on safety and skills in hard wiring, schematic drawing, tool identification and an electrical written test. 

Taking first place was Michael Gann of Valley View High School.  Gann received a $1,500 scholarship, renewable for up to four semesters at ASU-Newport.  Second place went to Cory Fuller of Piggott High School.  Fuller received a $1,000 scholarship, renewable for up to four semesters at ASU-Newport.  Finishing third was Alex Gibson of Piggott High School.  Gibson received a $500 scholarship, renewable for up to four semesters at ASU-Newport. 

“We’re pleased with the turnout and participation in the Energy Control Competition and look forward to hosting the event every year,” said Mark Constant, Advanced Instructor for Energy Control Technology at ASU-Newport.  “We’re grateful to all the participating schools for allowing their students and instructors to attend the competition.  Our ASUN students did another great job judging the competition, and we’d like to thank our industry partners who help make our competition successful.”