SkillsUSA competes in state competition
by SHARON PHU
Members of SkillsUSA went for gold in the California 48th Annual State Leadership and Skill Conference in San Diego April 9-12.
SkillsUSA competed in the 2015 Region 3 Skill Conference at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College Jan. 24 and in the Leadership Conference Jan. 31.
Students were judged on their tool boxes, dress and resumes.
For the Skill Conference, 13 Spartans contended in the categories Electronics and Technology (E&T), Electronic Construction Wiring (ECW) and Computer Maintenance Technology (CMT), respectively.
Nine contended in Community Service and Job Interview at the Leadership Conference.
Region 3, one of six regions in California, encompasses Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Orange.
Senior Elias Lucano won the gold medal in E&T. Seniors John Chaides, Joaquin Garcia, and junior Aaron Lay tied for the silver medal.
All four medalists, along with junior Rosaly Ramos, will compete in the conference.
“When I found out I had won the silver medal, there was a sensation of time slowing down,” said Lay. “Happiness doesn’t being to describe what I felt. I never actually expected to win”
Schurr’s ECW team includes juniors Mikaela Alonso, Alfonso Jimenez, Alejando Lozano, and Vanessa Sandoval. They did not place, but qualified to compete in the state conference.
Bronze medalist Donovan Saenz, senior, will also advance to states in the CMT field.
“[The conference] really gives the kids a feeling of industry, job availability, and professionalism,” said Garth Kline, adviser. “They leave with an understanding of what it takes to be top-notch.”
SkillsUSA meets after school at 3 p.m. every Friday. Students who are interested in joining the program can speak to Kline in Room C-103.