Nearly 75 students from Eastside and Southside technical centers attended the 2017 SkillsUSA state conference April 19-22 in Louisville, where they competed in various categories, conducted business for the Kentucky chapter, met with business and industry representatives, and heard from government officials.
Eastside checked in the most students there (58) and was recognized for having the third-highest membership in the state. Instructor Jay O’Hair was also noted for 100 percent SkillsUSA membership in his diesel technology program at Eastside.
Following are the top contest results. The first-place winners qualify for nationals.
Eastside Tech
- Gold medalists: Donovan Richardson, customer service; Jimmy Robinson, employment applications process; Paxton Barnett, job interview; Khalil Thomas and Justin Washington, audio radio production; Corey Resinger, automotive service technology; Zak Smiley, Kellin Toomey, Tyler Reyes, and Doni Munoz, broadcast news production; Justin Watts, Shaelin Sechrest, and Michael Sainato, crime scene investigation; Kevin Mahoney, power equipment technology; and Mark Chilver, Kaden Coleman, Trenton Karr Paepke, and Michael Sainato, patriotic salute*.
- Silver medalists: Scottie Ratliff, collision repair technology; Michael Buchignani, criminal justice; Triston Keith, diesel equipment; Adam Elias, firefighting; Delia Charles, Tayshawn Bynum, and Tyler Reyes, career pathway showcase/arts & communications; Autumn Whittington, power equipment technology; and Tywanna Webb and William Sebree, patriotic salute.
- Bronze medalists: Andoni Munoz, photo art display; Bailey Ingram, talent; Scot Smith, automotive refinishing; Anthony Grant, collision repair technology; Ben Waller, diesel equipment; Mary Jo Campbell, firefighting; Tevia Gilliam, first aid/CPR; Lucas Brandenburg, power equipment technology; LaShay Beatty, TV/video production; John Luke Hisle, action skills; Israel Angeles, airbrush design; and Matthew Gabbard, patriotic salute.
* Patriotic salute is a state-only contest.
Southside Tech
- Gold medalists: Breanna Thomas, commercial baking; Tara Keel, first aid/CPR; and Axel Rincon, residential systems installation;
- Silver medalists: Ty Hendricks, carpentry; Danil Slesarenko, electrical construction wiring; and Briana Clark, electronics technology;
- Bronze medalists: Celeste Caldwell, customer service; Stevie Boytek, 30-second elevator story; Jacob Burris, industrial motor controls; Arif Moula, job skills demo; and Cameron Brangers, welding.
The National Leadership and Skills Conference is scheduled for June 19-23 in Louisville. For more about SkillsUSA, call Southside at (859) 381-3603 or Eastside at (859) 381-3740.