Wakefield Schools SkillsUSA Chapter competed at SkillsUSA’s 2024 State Leadership and Skills Conference on April 11 at Grand Island’s Heartland Events Center and Fonner Park – returning home with a number of state competitor medals.
Twenty-nine students competed in 19 different events to represent Wakefield’s School and participating businesses.
Wakefield came away with two Gold Medals in Career Pathway Showcase Business (Alexia Weaver, Megan Walsh, Michaela Beaty) and Career Pathway Showcase Manufacturing (Calix Barge, Cael Johnson, Quintin Beaty).
Two Silver Medals in HVAC (Joshua Posada) and Web Design (Anthony Valenzuela and Jackson Pommer), one Bronze Medal in Ag Diesel (Jack Schlickbernd).
Sam Chase Placed 4th in Cabinet Making and Ruben Vega Placed 4th in Criminal Justice.
Students competed in Advertising Design, Ag Diesel, Architectural Design, Automotive Service, Baking & Pastry Arts, Carpentry, Cabinet Making, Criminal Justice, Electrical, HVAC, Job Skill Demo, Related Technical Math, Welding, Welding Sculpture, Web Design, Quiz Bowl, and Career Pathway Showcase.
“Wakefield SkillsUSA would like to thank all of those in the community who helped us this year,” said instructor Will Tietmeyer, “Whether it be donations or job shadows, thank you for helping us prepare and get to State!”
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The organization serves middle school, high school and college students in programs preparing them for technical, skilled, and service careers. It was originally founded as Vocational Industrial Clubs of America in 1965 and in 2004, the name changed to SkillsUSA. Since 1965, the organization has served more than 14 million members. SkillsUSA enhances the lives and careers of students, instructors, and industry representatives as they strive to be champions at work.
Top students earn prizes and scholarships from community colleges, businesses, and industry. First-place winners go on to the national championships in Atlanta, Georgia, held on Jun 24 - 28, 2024, for the 59th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference. More than 15,000 people - including students, teachers, and business partners - are expected to participate in the week-long event.
For more information, visit skillsusanebraska.org.