NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Skilled trades teachers in Georgia and New Orleans are among 18 winners in a national contest called "Tools for Schools."

  

Charles Kachmar is one of three first-prize winners chosen from more than 550 entries. Harbor Freight Tools is giving $30,000 to him and $70,000 to his metals and welding program at Maxwell High School of Technology in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

  

Joshua Overman of New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School and Adam Bourne of The Net Charter High School are among 15 second-prize winners. Both teach carpentry; Overman also teaches advanced manufacturing and Bourne also teaches electrical work.  Each won $35,000 for his program and $15,000 for himself.

  

This is the competition's second year. Last year, Harbor Tools gave $500,000 worth of awards. The total doubled this year.