High schools from 12 districts participated in the 43rd annual Southeast Missouri District Industrial Technology Awards program held April 24-25 at Southeast Missouri State University.

During the two-day event, over 137 entries were exhibited and 25 contest winners were selected. Winners advanced to the Missouri State Industrial Technology Awards program, held May 2 at Jefferson City High School.

Angela Scherer and Randy LeGrand, both of Jackson High School, won for their hope chest entries. The other winners were from Piedmont, Flat River, Ellsinore, Potosi, Farmington and Van Buren.

The district program was sponsored by Southeast's industrial technology department in cooperation with the Missouri Industrial Technology Educators Association.

"The program offers junior and senior high school and vocational school students an opportunity to view and promote their skills, craftsmanship and scholarship. The students, teachers and public gain an appreciation of students' works and of rapidly advancing technologies," said David Thompson, chairperson of the awards program and an assistant professor in the industrial technology department.