Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific employees ended their National Engineers Week celebration by participating in an educational community outreach event at the Sacred Hearts Academy, Honolulu, Feb. 26.

This year, Engineers Week was honored from Feb. 21-27, and one of the programs was Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.

"As an all-girls school, it was the perfect setting for the National Engineers Week Introduce a Girl To Engineering Day," said Capt. Michelle LaDuca, vice commander of NAVFAC Pacific.

"I was very impressed with the students of Sacred Hearts Academy," LaDuca said. "They were confident, they asked great questions and exhibited a strong interest in what it takes to become an engineer. It was a great experience, and I am optimistic that I will see many of these fine young women in the workforce as engineers of the future."

National Engineers Week was started by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1951. Its purpose is to call attention to the contributions that engineers make to society. It is also a time for engineers to emphasize to others the importance of learning math, science, and technical skills.

"I was very impressed with the students I spoke with as they seemed to have a solid technical background and genuine interests in learning about what engineers do," said Brandi Castillo, Capital Improvements structural branch manager.

"It's important to celebrate National Engineer's Week, because it raises awareness and appreciation for the work that Engineers do to improve our lives and communities," Castillo added.

Castillo said she enjoyed watching the students embrace one of the challenging hands-on activities with positivity, creativity and determination.

Other activities also took place at NAVFAC Pacific's headquarters this week. One of the activities included a slide rule challenge, which was made up of several teams of engineers from various fields competing against each other. In addition, a trivia contest brought to light historical engineering projects that had significant impacts to our local community.

National Engineers Week is held in conjunction with the birthday of President George Washington. Washington is sometimes referred to as the nation's first engineer, notably for his survey work. Although he had a limited formal education, Washington acquired surveying skills very early in his life and became a master technician and mentor. In 1749, at the young age of 17, Washington was appointed the Surveyor General of Virginia.

For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/.