Five Southeast Community College students earned silver or bronze awards during the 47th National SkillsUSA Conference and competition in Kansas City in late June.
In all, eight SCC students and four advisors attended the event. The students were eligible to compete at the national level after placing first in their field of study at the Nebraska State SkillsUSA competition in March.SCC student Ryan Boetger of Lawton, Iowaearned a silver medal in the Firefighting competition, while bronze medals went to SCC students Kevin Sturm of Odellin Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technology, and to the team of Lucas Boshart of Wood River, Ryan Dauel of Malmo and Brandon Vernon of Crete in Welding Fabrication.SCC student Dean Amundson of Grand Island took eighth place in Motorcycle Service Technology, and Jon Zabel and Daniel Stalder, both of Lincoln, placed 17th in Precision Machining Technology and Welding, respectively.
Boetger, Sturm, Boshart, Dauel, and Vernon each received a Skill Point Certificate for meeting specified competencies in their competition.
SCC advisors Dan Zabel, Welding Technology; Randall Koch, Precision Machine; Terry Andrews, Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technology; and Ken Jefferson, Automotive and Motorcycle, also attended.
More than 5,400 students competed in 94 occupational and leadership skill areas from 54 state and territorial associations. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce and helps each student to excel. SkillsUSA is a national student organization that serves trade, industrial, technical, and health occupation students in high schools and college/technical schools. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and character development.
For more information on the Machine Tool Technology and Welding Technology programs, readers can visit the following links: Machine Tool Technology; Welding Technology