PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Two teams from the Presque Isle Regional Career and Technology Center recently earned recognition at the SkillsUSA national championships, held June 30 in Louisville, Ky.
The students were among those who won the nation’s highest awards at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. Industry leaders representing more than 600 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions recognized students nationwide for excellence in 100 hands-on occupational and leadership competitions, such as robotics, criminal justice, aviation maintenance and public speaking. All competitions were designed, run and judged by industry using industry standards.
Top student winners received gold, silver and bronze medallions. Many also received prizes such as tools of their trade or scholarships to further their careers and education.
The SkillsUSA Championships are for high-school and college-level students who are members of the 360,000-member SkillsUSA organization.
In addition, Skill Point Certificates were awarded in 86 occupational and leadership areas to students who achieved a high score defined by industry. These certificates were introduced in 2009 as a component of the SkillsUSA Work Force Ready System.
Team TA, consisting of Kate Leavitt, Renee Browning and Elizabeth Butterfield, was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Career Pathways – Arts and Communication.
Team SA, with members Shaye McHatten, Lauren Graves and Sedona Lucas, was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Career Pathways – Business, Management and Technology.
“More than 6,000 students from every state in the nation came to compete in the SkillsUSA Championships this week,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Tim Lawrence. “This is the SkillsUSA partnership at its best. Students, instructors and industry representatives are working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce and every student excels. These students prove that career and technical education expands opportunities.”
