Students from across our Career & Technical Education programs had the chance to demonstrate their expertise and job skills during the recent statewide SkillsUSA competition.
Fourteen were ranked among the top four students in their field of study, with three—Nicholas Grock of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (BHBL), Lucia Hingi of Shenendehowa, and Breanna Russell of Mohonasen—earning first place honors that advances them to the national competition that will be held virtually from June 14 – 18. There, they will face thousands of peer competitors from around the country to determine the best in their respective trades.
“It made me nervous, but it was fun. I think the competition helped prepare me with my communication and speaking skills. It also helped to strengthen my cake decorating skills,” said Hingi, a Culinary Arts student, took first place in the Job Skills Demonstration competition.
“It showed me that if I can do whatever I want to do if I put my mind to it and have confidence,” added Russell, a Digital Media Design student, who took first place in the Employment Application Process competition.
“The hard work has finally paid off,” said Grock, who took top honors in the Diesel Equipment Technology competition. “I am looking forward to seeing how well I can do at the national level.”
SkillsUSA Statewide Competition Results
Following are the students who placed in the recent statewide SkillsUSA competition, the competition they participated with, their course of study and home school district.
Second Place
- Savannah Marx, Job Skill Demonstration, Cosmetology, Mohonasen
- Philip Schrom, Welding, Welding and Metal Fabrication, Schalmont
Third Place
- Melody Francis, Commercial Baking, Culinary Arts, Niskayuna
- Emma Klercker, Esthetics, Cosmetology, RCS
- Joel Pacheco, Collision Repair Technology, Auto Body Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology, Schenectady
- Elijah Polanco, HVAC, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R), Schenectady
Fourth Place
The team of Hunter Bouck from Schoharie, Alli Cater from Middleburgh and Isabele Philipp from Middleburgh, Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Justice
SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led charitable acts, leadership conferences and other activities.