Over 750 Stanislaus County high school students will converge on the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock on Thursday, March 2, for the 37th Annual Occupational Olympics and Career Exposition (OOCE). The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Riverbank High School students will be competing in the OOCE in the following events: Ag Engineering/Building, Salad Prep and Display, Video Game Design, and Welding.

The event is sponsored by the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE), Stanislaus Partners in Education (SPIE), Stanislaus County Fair, Modesto City Schools, Modesto Junior College, Institute of Technology, local business and industry, and school districts countywide. It is designed to promote academic and occupational understanding in various career areas and recognize high school students who excel in their mastery of skills.

Approximately 40 vendors representing business/industry are participating, and students will have the opportunity to speak to them regarding careers and college.

During the competition, school site staff, representatives from local business and industry will judge students in 16 competitive events, including agricultural engineering/construction, agricultural technology, animal husbandry, basic life support CPR/first aid, criminal justice, culinary, elevator pitch, firefighter candidate, floriculture, job seeking skills, medical occupations, Pitsco drag racing, robotics, small engine, video game design, and welding.

Students will be rated on knowledge of their field of interest, ability to perform tasks using appropriate tools, and employability skills. Plaques are awarded to the top three participants in each event, and the top eight finalists receive ribbons. One small and one large school will be awarded a Sweepstakes Award.