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WINTER 2016
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Championships
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Championships
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eDucatiOn
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aDvertiSing rePreSentativeS fOr SKillSuSa chaMPiOnS
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SkillsUSAChampionsWinter2016
BOarD Of DirectOrS
BrentKindred (Wisconsin)
ChrisArvin (Caterpillar University)
CharlesWallace(Maryland)
JamesKing(Tennessee)
DaveMilliken(Utah)
PeggyTorrens(Kansas)
KathleenCullen(National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Education Consortium)
AlexGromada(Association for Career and Technical
Education)
PeterCarey(SkillsUSA State Directors Association)
JenniferWorth(American Association of Community
Colleges)
TroyDally(Lowe’s Companies Inc.)
LaurieHackett(Air Products)
RussHoffbauer(State Farm Insurance Companies)
AliciaSmales(Snap-on Incorporated)
ChrisTesmer(Newell Rubbermaid)
CameronFerguson(Emeritus/Caterpillar Inc.)
natiOnal StuDent OfficerS/aDviSOrS
HigH ScHool
KatherineLeung/PhilHowardell(Arizona)
JonathanSarmiento/OscarContreras(New Mexico)
PaytenStowe/CherylRees(Georgia)
SkylarNelson/SeveroPerez(Texas)
EdgardoCorrea/AnthonyRubenNajera(Texas)
SamanthaDorwin/PamDorwin(Massachusetts)
LucyBaldwin/MindyAcklen(Tennessee)
AshleyGerstein/TerryGarringer(Wisconsin)
SuzannaDillenger/StacyDeskin(Oklahoma)
CalebNetterfield/PatrickMcCue(Washington)
college/PoStSecondary
DanteWilliams/CarlyAustin(Oklahoma)
JeanVanDriel/JasonJuhnke(South Dakota)
DanielleO’Brien/ThomasGauthier(Rhode Island)
LucasSpringer/DavidPraiswater(Kansas)
DavidFoss/BoydHestand(Tennessee)
SkillsUSA
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asktim
AResponsiveMessage
Q&A
Executive Director Tim Lawrence has known SkillsUSA
as a student member, instructor, industry partner and
state director. Got a question? He can help.
can SkillsUSA communicate
Q:How
better with its student members
and get more of them involved?
Tim: Since our founding 50 years ago,
SkillsUSA’s communications methods
have evolved, growing from a flagship
magazine to include a website and
e-newsletters. It’s clearly important to
keep up with the technology used by
our members, the majority of whom are
students. Because students spend a lot of
time on mobile devices, organizations like
ours need to “go where they live.”
In the spring, SkillsUSA Champions
magazine will be taking the next leap
forward. While we have been posting
issues online, our primary method of
delivery has always been to print magazines and send them to teachers for distribution to students in class. After listening
closely to our members, it’s time for a
change. SkillsUSA Champions is transforming into a responsive digital publication that anyone can read anywhere.
As one member told us, “Communications don’t just go up and down, but they
go laterally as well. We share ideas and
build on those. It’s important to allow
for that.” This concept fits well with our
Vision 2020 goals to reach, connect and
lead. To provide a format that encourages
more sharing, the year’s remaining magazines will be available on the Web only.
We are refining other communications as well, based on a major study of
your preferences. Last year, SkillsUSA
mailed surveys and held focus groups with
members. The research found that over
three-fourths rate our communications as
effective but also request approaches that
are better targeted to their specific needs.
Student members prefer our website as
their main communications channel and
ask for more videos, photos and blogs to
encourage greater involvement. Advisors
prefer their information delivered through
videos, webinars, podcasts and Facebook.
As a result, requests for a more robust,
easily searchable website are already
being addressed. With the recent addition
of a social media specialist to our staff,
SkillsUSA is reaching beyond Facebook,
YouTube and Twitter — our students’
top picks — to Snapchat, Vine and other
outlets in this rapidly changing landscape.
When our members and supporters give
us feedback, we listen. Please contact us if
you have questions or suggestions on our
communications with you. SkillsUSA is
the best because of you. Your support of
our mission is greatly appreciated.
•
Got questions about SkillsUSA or other topics?
Email [email protected] or send a letter to
the address on the facing page. Put “Ask Tim”
in the subject line or mail address.
Winter2016SkillsUSAChampions
5
what’snew
Students and Advisors
Achieve Big
‘Capitol’ Gains
“L
ife-changing.” “Awe-inspiring.”
“A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Those were just some
of the ways SkillsUSA’s Washington
Leadership Training Institute (WLTI)
was described by the latest participants in
the five-day event, held each September in
the nation’s capital.
A record 432 students and advisors from
27 states and Puerto Rico took part in the
intensive leadership and advocacy training
S
WLTI has become known for. The
highlight came when student-led delegations visited their state representatives on
Capitol Hill to advocate for SkillsUSA.
More than 100 visits took place, leaving
students proud and legislators inspired.
Emotional visits to the 9/11 Pentagon
Memorial and Arlington National
Cemetery provided more profound and
unforgettable moments for our next
generation of leaders.
killsUSA has partnered with
Cengage Learning to offer
all members a special discount
on valuable career development tools
and resources.
Access them through the “Alumni
Portal” at: www.skillsusa.org/membershipresources/alumni-friends-association/careerresources/. You’ll find more than 300
short online courses on topics including
software, business startup, leadership
development and so on.
There’s also a host of tools related to
career transitions, including résumé
building, interview practice and career
assessments. A portion of all sales will
support the SkillsUSA Alumni and
Friends Association.
•
•
Students share in somber
reflection at the 9/11
Pentagon Memorial. For
photos, video and more
from the WLTI conference,
visit: www.skillsusa.org/
events-training/washingtonleadership-traininginstitute/.
Photo:CraigE.Moore
6
GreatDiscountonCourses
SkillsUSAChampionsWinter2016
what’snew
MIKE ROWE
SPEAKS UP
FOR SKIllSUSA
NewRoute,SameDestination
L
et’s face it: SkillsUSA loves Mike
Rowe. Lucky for us, Mike Rowe
loves SkillsUSA, too, evidenced by the
recent audio PSAs the TV host helped
SkillsUSA create.
The public service announcements
come in 30- and 60-second flavors. In
each, Rowe explains how the growing
skills gap threatens our economy
while positioning SkillsUSA as not
only a way to help fill that gap, but
also as, in his words, “the connective
tissue between the opportunities that
exist and the hopes many parents and
kids have for their own future.”
Help us distribute these PSAs by
getting them to your local radio
stations and encouraging station
managers to play them. Make it a
chapter project you can incorporate
into your program of work. You can
also make it a part of your SkillsUSA
Week activities in February. Find all
the info you’ll need to do that at:
www.tinyurl.com/MikeRowePSA.
Photo:LloydWolf
•
Changes are afoot (as opposed to “aleg”) in how
you’ll receive SkillsUSA Champions magazine
in the coming months. In fact, this issue marks
the final printed edition of the magazine for the
2015-16 school year. Don’t worry; two more issues
are coming. They’ll just be arriving in digital
format. The goal is to make SkillsUSA communications accessible to more people and responsive to all electronic devices. Digital versions will
also offer more opportunities for easy-to-access
extras that printed versions could not contain.
In short, expect more of a good thing. Stay tuned
to www.skillsusa.org for details. •
Finding safety
in numbers ...
and videos
E
very seven minutes, a teen is hospitalized because of a workplace injury.
Every two minutes, a teen is injured on
the job, and every five days, a teen dies
while at work. Even more startling than
those statistics? Most of these accidents
could’ve been prevented. Now’s your
chance to help show your peers how —
through CareerSafe’s National Youth
Safety Video Contest.
The contest challenges students across
the nation to create a video demonstrating workplace safety. Winning students
will receive a scholarship of up to $2,500,
and winning schools will get a prize of
up to $5,000! Entries must be received by
March 1. Find all the contest info at:
www.skillsusa.org/competitions/careersafevideo-contest/.
•
Winter2016SkillsUSAChampions
7
“W
hether it is a bachelor’s degree,
an associate degree [or] a journeyman’s card from an apprenticeship
program, having a credential above and
beyond your high-school diploma, that’s
the surest ticket to the middle class. And
in global competition for jobs and industries, having the best-educated workforce
in the world is the surest way for America
to stay on top.”
These words came from President
Barack Obama, speaking Sept. 9 at
Michigan’s Macomb Community College.
He was joined by Dr. Jill Biden, the wife
of the vice president and a professor at
Northern Virginia Community College.
Apprenticeships are critical to the
strength of our workforce and economy.
At the U.S. Department of Labor, we’re
working every day through our Appren-
Photo:LloydWolf
ApprenticeshipUSA
Industryleadersarejoiningforces
tocreatenewpathstogoodcareers
Administrator for the U.S.
Department of Labor’s
Office of Apprenticeship,
John V. Ladd attended
SkillsUSA’s national
conference last June.
Since then, Ladd says his
office’s ApprenticeshipUSA
initiative has seen exciting
new developments,
including the largest
investment ever in the
“earn and learn” model.
8
SkillsUSAChampionsWinter2016
ticeshipUSA initiative to double their
number, expand to new industries and
ensure they are open to more students.
How does registered apprenticeship
relate to career and technical education?
In a number of states, the two systems
work side by side. Apprentices generally are employed from the first day and
receive technical instruction in combination with on-the-job training. Other
models, in which students take courses
before starting an apprenticeship or even
stagger coursework for several months
before gaining hands-on experience, have
grown in high schools. Apprentices often
complete an associate degree at their
employers’ expense. Depending on the
occupation, the programs range between
one and five years, ending with a nationally recognized industry credential.
To further strengthen programs’ educational value, in 2012 Vice President Joe
Biden launched the Registered Appren-
ticeship-College Consortium, a national
network of colleges and apprenticeship
programs. It has since grown to more
than 220 colleges and 950 apprenticeship
training centers. Their commitment to
credit-transfer agreements is expanding
opportunities for apprentice graduates to
complete associate or bachelor’s degrees.
The Labor Department’s Office of
Apprenticeship has met with industry
leaders throughout 2015, culminating
in September with the first summit of
its kind at the White House. Some of
America’s most influential employers,
associations, labor unions and educators
shared strategies to expand apprenticeship
and education opportunities to workers
across all industries. The next day, the
Obama administration backed up those
conversations with the largest-ever investment, $175 million, in the “earn and learn”
model. Through the American Apprenticeship Initiative, 46 grantees will train
and hire more than 34,000 new apprentices in industries as diverse as health care,
information technology and advanced
manufacturing over the next five years.
In Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Works is
using a $3 million grant — in partnership
with the city school district, YouthBuild
and community colleges — to launch
a behavioral health apprenticeship and
expand programs in computer support and
IT. Targeting more than 700 youth, a preapprenticeship program will build a career
pathway to quality middle-class jobs.
To extend opportunities to more
people, grantees such as Focus Hope in
Detroit and the OpenTech Los Angeles
Regional Apprenticeship Collaborative
will use funding to open the door wider
to traditionally underrepresented groups,
including at-risk youth and communities
with high crime and poverty rates.
This new national effort is helping
expand the skills of workers and build the
talent pipelines that businesses need to
compete and grow in a global economy.
But more than that, it’s about reaffirming
the basic belief that if you work hard and
dedicate yourself to learning a new skill,
there’s a tried-and-true pathway to a good
career that can sustain a family.
•
More on the ApprenticeshipUSA initiative is at: www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/.
To see the grant winners, go to: www.
dol.gov/apprenticeship/grants.htm
Whether it’s a regional,
state or national event,
having the expert advice
of contest designers and
top competitors can help
you take home the gold
SkillsUSA
Insiders
Guide 2016
CHAMPIONSHIPS
By Craig E. Moore
F
or SkillsUSA students, our national
championships is the pinnacle of the
competitive experience. Who makes
it happen? The contest technical committee chairs, who are the men and women
who set the standards for each event.
Each of the 100 national competitions
is created and managed by the technical
committees, who volunteer their time and
skills and come from labor, management,
education and professional associations.
“Our technical committees are on the
competition front lines each year,” says the
director of the SkillsUSA Championships,
Dave Worden. “They see what contestants
do right and where they could improve.
If you follow their advice, you’ll definitely
have a leg up on the competition.”
So, what do these experts say contestants
shouldn’t overlook? What gives winners
the edge? Turn the page to find out.
WEB RESOURCES
h Keep up with the latest adjustments
Photos:LloydWolf/Design:DarlenneHelena
by visiting our Contest Updates page.
Check out this free resource: www.
skillsusa.org/competitions/skillsusachampionships/contest-updates/
h Contest Singles help prepare you for
your specific competition. Each contains
regulations, rating sheets, sample tests
and more. Most have the project from
the previous national contest. Go to:
www.skillsusa.org/store/singles.html
Winter2016SkillsUSAChampions
9
TEAMWORKS
“Resources, [as in] are there any recommended websites I can view to see what
a good job looks like.” PAT PAYNE, NEWELL RUBBERMAID
ACTION SKILLS
“Have enough material to present that will
fit the five-to-seven-minute time limit.”
DENTAL ASSISTING
“Uniform policy.”
JENNIFER PONSON, PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE
ROBERT LARSON, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR, OHIO
ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING
“The technical committee will assist in
solving issues [with the equipment], but
the contestant is ultimately responsible.”
THOMAS BENDORF,
LAUGHLIN MILLEA HILLMAN ARCHITECTURE LLC
ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY
“Follow directions, written and verbal.”
EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION PROCESS
“Practice different applications and
various questions, not just those given as
examples. Completeness of the portfolio.”
SHERRY ANDERSON, MONTACHUSETT REGIONAL
VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL, MASSACHUSETTS/
DIANE SWENSON, EMD MILLIPORE CORP.
WAYNE KING, KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY/DESIGN
“Have your display and prototype in place
by orientation Tuesday afternoon.”
KENT GILCHRIST, FREMONT INTERIORS INC.
CAREER PATHWAYS SHOWCASE
“All three [contestants] take part in the
presentation. Show respect to the judging
team, make eye contact and speak clearly.
Try to memorize your presentation.”
PAUL LIGHT, MISSOURI/CARL CREASMAN, TENNESSEE
DAN MURDAUGH, IAM&AW AND UNITED AIRLINES
KEVIN GULLIVER, NIDA CORP.
AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY
“General aviation safety and knowledge
for the written test. Slow down and read
the written material for each contest area.”
CABINETMAKING
“Math skills and the ability to read and
understand the drawings we provide to
build the project.”
AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY
“Read all of the instructions completely.
If you don’t understand, ask for clarification. ”
GARY WYNN, INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND
ENGINEERING EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
“Ability to present professionally and seriously speaks volumes.”
MAJOR APPLIANCE AND REFRIGERATION
TECHNOLOGY
“Wiring diagrams and volt/ohm meters in
diagnosing common electrical issues.”
GREG DOSTER, WHIRLPOOL CORP.
MEDICAL ASSISTING
“Read the directions carefully, then read
them again.”
KIP JARRETT, HEIDELBERG USA INC.
HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING
AND REFRIGERATION (HVACR)
“Many times it’s the simple, basic things
that contestants struggle with.”
DIANA KENDRICK,
SOUTHERN CRESCENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE, GEORGIA
MOTORCYCLE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
“The small details.”
JAKE ANDERSON, MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS INSTITUTE
BILL ROBERTS, LENNOX INDUSTRIES INC.
WHAT NOT TO OVERLOOK IN: COMMERCIAL BAKING
“Bakery ingredients: what they are made of,
PETER FENDT,
BAKERY
their purpose and how to use them.” QUALITY
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
“Documentation of their code, including
meaningful variable names.”
TERRY YOAST, SUMMIT TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY, KANSAS
CULINARY ARTS
“Be very familiar with the rules and the
timelines. Practice as if you are competing.”
GREG BEACHEY, NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
INDUSTRIAL MOTOR CONTROL
“Read all of the rules carefully … the tools
to bring, personal protective equipment to
wear and the schedule of the events.”
JOHN MASARICK, INDEPENDENT ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS INC.
LISA ROMEISER, EASTERN MONROE CAREER CENTER, NEW YORK
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
“Understanding operating systems and
the command structure behind them.”
CHRIS SESSA, CARDIOVASCULAR CONSULTANTS
INTERNETWORKING
“Knowing how to troubleshoot a problem.”
BOB SCHOENHERR, CISCO NETWORKING ACADEMY
10
SkillsUSAChampionsWinter2016
OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES
“The president of the team should be the
best speaker. The rest of the team should
be able to match the president’s voice level
and projection.”
OUTSTANDING CHAPTER
“Follow the instructions to the letter.”
BILL MANN, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR, FLORIDA
Photos:LloydWolf
WHAT NOT TO
OVERLOOK IN:
PHOTOGRAPHY
“Photography is the perfect combination
of the arts and sciences. Many students
have a great eye and can produce a decent
image. However, at this level of competition, students must be well-versed in the
technical aspects of photography, including using strobes and advanced Photoshop
techniques.”
BILL CHENAILLE, ACADEMY FOR MEDIA PRODUCTION
PIN DESIGN (STATE CONFERENCE)
“The process used to develop the design
from beginning to end. Step-by-step
description of your thought process
through the development of the design.”
STEVE LICK, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR, MICHIGAN
PLUMBING
“Read the complete contestant booklet,
including the prints.”
ROBERT HAHN, EASTWICK COLLEGE, HOHOKUS SCHOOL
OF TRADE AND TECHNICAL SCIENCES, NEW JERSEY
ROBOTICS: URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE
“Safety glasses.”
ALAN KIRBY, PITSCO EDUCATION
TEAMWORKS
“Understanding the technical standards.”
JIM BOHN, ROBERT BOSCH TOOL CORP.
TECHNICAL DRAFTING
“Small details.”
FLOYD McWILLIAMS,
AMERICAN DESIGN DRAFTING ASSOCIATION
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLING
“A basic knowledge of fiber optics.”
TERESA MAHER,
ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL
WELDING FABRICATION
“Safety!”
HENRY WOEHL, L&L ENTERPRISES LLC
RESTAURANT SERVICE
“Contest updates prior to the conference.”
WELDING SCULPTURE
“Remember to tab the notebook. Tabs
should match the items listed on the score
sheet for the contents of the notebook.”
ROBERT WITTE, NAVAJO TECHNICAL COLLEGE , NEW MEXICO
KARL WATSON, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR, KENTUCKY
“What gives winners
the edge?”
Common answers are fundamental skills and knowledge, attention to detail
and (of course) practice.
Turn the page to find
detailed answers for various competitions. This special content section is only
available to online readers
of SkillsUSA Champions.
READY TO PUT YOUR
CAREER IN MOTION?
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technician position at one of our more than 750 locations across the
country. Penske offers competitive wages and a wide range of benefits.
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Congrats to all those that competed this year at the 2015 NLSC in Louisville.
Looking forward to seeing you in 2016!
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Winter2016SkillsUSAChampions
11
COMPUTER
PROGRAMMING
“The efficiency of code. This is often
the separating factor for the winner.”
TERRY YOAST, SUMMIT TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY, KANSAS
ACTION SKILLS
“Daily practice and the support of the
advisor. It is extremely important for the
advisor to attend the orientation with the
contestant.”
ROBERT LARSON, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR, OHIO
ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING
“The winning contestant will possess a
good understanding of building construction methods, hand sketching skills, and
problem-solving techniques to complete
the contest.”
THOMAS BENDORF,
LAUGHLIN MILLEA HILLMAN ARCHITECTURE LLC
CULINARY ARTS
“Fundamental skills and building flavors
will take you far. Don’t try a new or unfamiliar technique on the competition floor.
Practice!”
Photos:LloydWolf
WHAT GIVES WINNERS
THE EDGE IN:
GREG BEACHEY, NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
DENTAL ASSISTING
“Overall presentation. If students are able
to present themselves in a confident and
professional manner, then they are the
students that end up on top. Success is
always achieved when a person prepares
more than the other.”
JENNIFER PONSON, PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE
AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY
“Read all of the instructions completely. If
you don’t understand, ask for clarification.”
DAN MURDAUGH, IAM&AW AND UNITED AIRLINES
EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION PROCESS
“Presence, confidence, knowing you have
practiced, friendliness, smiling.”
DIANE SWENSON, EMD MILLIPORE CORP.
CABINETMAKING
“Practice, practice, practice! Take a look
at past projects and identify the joinery
methods that we may incorporate. Take
a tour of a local shop and see what our
industry is up to, as we are using the same
techniques in our contest projects.”
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY/DESIGN
“Be organized and have each member of
the team prepared to answer questions of
the judges.”
GARY WYNN, INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND
ENGINEERING EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION
KENT GILCHRIST, FREMONT INTERIORS INC.
INDUSTRIAL MOTOR CONTROL
“A positive, ‘can do’ attitude will be a
great benefit at the competition. Be
relaxed. Remember, you are already a
winner.”
JOHN MASARICK, INDEPENDENT ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS INC.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
“After winning your state competition,
you need to train relentlessly every day
until the national competition.”
CHRIS SESSA, CARDIOVASCULAR CONSULTANTS
WHAT GIVES WINNERS THE EDGE IN: ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY
“Being competent in all areas of the contest, not
KEVIN GULLIVER,
NIDA CORP.
an expert in one or two areas.”
CAREER PATHWAYS SHOWCASE
“Know your material and be professional
during your presentation.”
CARL CREASMAN, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR,
TENNESSEE
COMMERCIAL BAKING
“Knowledge of baking skills, good hand
skills, attention to details and, most
important, following instructions.”
PETER FENDT, QUALITY BAKERY
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
“Preparation, preparation, preparation.
A professional and serious approach to the
competition gives contestants an edge.
This kind of edge is actually visible to
those observing.
“Visit www.futureprintersofamerica.com,
which is the Graphic Communications
contest website.”
KIP JARRETT, HEIDELBERG USA INC./
MIKE STINNETT, GRAPHIC ARTS EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
FOUNDATION
HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING
AND REFRIGERATION (HVACR)
“Don’t rush. Be thorough.”
BILL ROBERTS, LENNOX INDUSTRIES INC.
12
SkillsUSAChampionsWinter2016
INTERNETWORKING
“Ability to create problems to practice
before they get to the competition.”
BOB SCHOENHERR, CISCO NETWORKING ACADEMY
MAJOR APPLIANCE AND REFRIGERATION
TECHNOLOGY
“Taking the extra step: going above and
beyond the other contestants in all aspects
of the contest.”
GREG DOSTER, WHIRLPOOL CORP.
MEDICAL ASSISTING
“Contestants who are critically thinking
generally have the edge. They have the
knowledge and skill already. All they need
to do at competition is read the directions/
scenario; take into account the supplies
and equipment available and the needs of
the patient, and they have it. Regardless of
what is thrown at the competitor, if they
will just stop and think, they will realize
they have already done the directive in
training. All they are doing now is critically thinking and putting into play the
knowledge and skill received to get them
to nationals.”
DIANA KENDRICK,
SOUTHERN CRESCENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE, GEORGIA
MOTORCYCLE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
“Reading the service literature fully and
in detail.”
JAKE ANDERSON, MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS INSTITUTE
OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES
“The team that practices enunciating
and pronouncing the words of the script
correctly will score well.”
LISA ROMEISER, EASTERN MONROE CAREER CENTER, NEW YORK
OUTSTANDING CHAPTER
“Read and follow the instructions in the
technical standards. Discuss the standards
with your advisor.”
BILL MANN, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CHAIR, FLORIDA
PHOTOGRAPHY
“Passion drives students to crave perfection in what they do. Contestants can be
naturally gifted or have a great teacher.
But most national winners I have met also
possess the drive, determination, ambition
and passion to want to be successful.”
BILL CHENAILLE, ACADEMY FOR MEDIA PRODUCTION
PIN DESIGN (STATE CONFERENCE)
“Using thorough investigation of the state
history to determine design direction.
Make the small image (1 inch) look good,
then enlarge it to the 7-inch size.”
STEVE LICK, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR, MICHIGAN
PLUMBING
“Reading the booklet and understanding
exactly what is being required to do.”
ROBERT HAHN, EASTWICK COLLEGE, HOHOKUS SCHOOL
OF TRADE AND TECHNICAL SCIENCES, NEW JERSEY
RESTAURANT SERVICE
“Practice, practice, practice.”
ROBERT WITTE, NAVAJO TECHNICAL COLLEGE, NEW MEXICO
ROBOTICS: URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE
“Doing all of the prep work that is judged/
graded at the event; engineering notebooks, for example.”
ALAN KIRBY, PITSCO EDUCATION
TEAMWORKS
“Details. Even a few points matter. Don’t
lose or fail to earn points by not doing an
adequate job because it didn’t matter as
much in the big picture.”
TECHNICAL DRAFTING
“Reading the rules and asking questions
when unsure of something.”
FLOYD McWILLIAMS,
AMERICAN DESIGN DRAFTING ASSOCIATION
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLING
“Knowing what standards are important
in telecom today: TIA 568 and others.”
TERESA MAHER,
ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL
WELDING FABRICATION
“Being organized.”
HENRY WOEHL, L&L ENTERPRISES LLC
WELDING SCULPTURE
“A table of contents in the notebook, and a
timeline for the photographic evidence.”
KARL WATSON, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR,
KENTUCKY
•
PAT PAYNE, NEWELL RUBBERMAID
Winter2016SkillsUSAChampions
13
TOP 10
Competingas
acomponent
ofeducation
NATIONAL COMPETITIONS
G
raduating with a 3.9 GPA is a big
deal. To Katelyn Cole, competing in the SkillsUSA Championships is
bigger — so much so, she chose to miss
her graduation from Savannah Technical College in Hinesville, Ga.
It was her second trip to nationals,
and placing fourth in the Early Childhood Education college/postsecondary
contest was not a disappointment.
“It was amazing,” Cole says. The
Photo:LloydWolf
competition “makes you feel like a real
teacher. I felt like a real part of the workforce. It’s made me really passionate about the
future and what I can do.” She now attends Savannah’s Armstrong State University.
Competition experience is worth the sacrifice of missing graduation, Cole adds.
Although her event is small, its value is large, because early childhood education is the
first step for every contestant, no matter what the career field. “So even if you think,
‘Oh, I’m not important; my skill trade doesn’t matter,’ it does. It’s all a big deal.”
Cole’s tip is to not take competing too seriously. “So, come here and just try to have
fun. Try to take it for the experience and not just for the medal. It’s great if you win,
but try to see more than just, ‘I have to come and win.’ ” — by Ann P. Schreiber
•
Single Competitor
Total Competitors
(teams excluded)
(teams included)
1
Automotive
Service Technology
1
Opening and
Closing Ceremonies
2
Welding
2
Quiz Bowl
3
Diesel Equipment
Technology
3
TeamWorks
4
Carpentry
4
Welding Fabrication
5
Collision Repair
Technology
5
Chapter Business
Procedure
6
Electrical
Construction Wiring
6
Crime Scene
Investigation
7
Culinary Arts
7
Health
Knowledge Bowl
8
Mobile Robotics
Technology
8
Entrepreneurship
9
Technical Drafting
9
Community Service
Job Interview
10
Promotional
Bulletin Board
10
JWU student Danielle O’Brien ’16 was elected National
College/Postsecondary Secretary at SkillsUSA’s National
Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Ky.
EXPERIENCE MORE NOW.
BE A LEADER TOMORROW.
You can continue your involvement in SkillsUSA when you enroll
at Johnson & Wales University — and expand your leadership,
communication and team-building skills. Where will your JWU
SkillsUSA experience take you?
14
2015 SkillsUSA Ad for NSO_v2.indd 1
SkillsUSAChampionsWinter2016
Visit www.jwu.edu/NSO
for more information.
8/24/15 11:57 AM
In2015.Graphic:DarlenneHelena
Compiled by Jane D. Short
Photos:LloydWolf
Finishingfirstmeanshardwork
andtuningoutanynegativity
By Ann P. Schreiber
M
elanie Thomas knows the score. Her score. The one that earned her the
opportunity to compete nationally in Automotive Refinishing Technology.
When Thomas qualified to go to the SkillsUSA Illinois contest, she thought she’d
maybe place third at best, citing her lack of confidence. She competed, then had to
leave the state conference early to be home in time to attend to her senior prom.
“My teacher called me that evening,”
Thomas
remembers, “and he told me
“For the competition,
that I had gotten first. I said, ‘No,
I’m always really either
you’re lying!’ ”
Some of her classmates at Marengo
nervous or anxious before(Ill.) High School didn’t believe it,
either. Several claimed Thomas —
hand, because it’s just a big
who was instructor Vince Long’s first
thing to be doing. But what
female student — had won because she
was a girl. But for this petite blonde,
you have to do is just take a
that state contest score, not her looks
deep breath and relax.”
nor her gender, earned her the gold,
and she was going to nationals.
“I think it really bothers me that everyone says, ‘Well, you’re only doing this
because of the guys around you’ or ‘You only won because you’re a girl,’ because
that’s not how it is,” Thomas points out. “I practiced so hard to get where I am. I’m
not going to just walk in and take it from someone else. I practiced just as much, even
more than other people.” She’s also learned how to deal with the stress. “For the
competition, I’m always really either nervous or anxious beforehand, because it’s just
a big thing to be doing. But what you have to do is just take a deep breath and relax.”
Passion for auto body work helped her overcome the sting of the naysayers’
comments. Thomas says she’s always been a bit of a tomboy, having studied automotive service before trying refinishing, and painting and repairing really appeal to
her. Now earning her associate degree at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar
Grove, Ill., she hopes to own her own body shop one day or go into estimating.
CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR THE AGES:
Alyssa Watarida (above), then 12,
was 2015’s youngest national competitor. Her Kapolei, Hawaii, team
took gold in a new Team Engineering Challenge event for middleschool members. Yvonne Bir (below),
73, of Yuma, Ariz., says she’s always
worked with her hands. Her kaleidoscope for Welding Sculpture was
yet another way “to push myself.” •
•
1 Florida
66
2 Ohio
58
3 Oklahoma
58
4 North Carolina
54
5 High School
Texas
48
6 Utah
47
Tennessee
7 College/Postsecondary
42
8 Massachusetts
41
9 Missouri
41
Georgia
10 College/Postsecondary
36
In2015.CompiledbyJaneD.Short/GraphicbyDarlenneHelena
BY NUMBER OF MEDALISTS
Winter2016SkillsUSAChampions
15
Wear the SkillsUSA Official Jacket
BY CARHARTT®
IN ANY SEASON
Make a STATEMENT this year with your one-of-a-kind SkillsUSA jacket
MADE
IN THE
www.ProudtoWearSkillsUSA.com
USA
‘RECONNECTING WITH SUCCESS’
N
•
High school felt like a
roadblock to this bright
student, without an
opening in sight. But
steered in the right
direction, he’s found his
way around all obstacles
to regain his ambition.
By Karen n. Kitzel
Photo:LloydWolf
ick Young has some advice
for SkillsUSA’s competitors:
“Practice. Keep it simple.” He’s
talking about the Opening and Closing
Ceremonies contest, but while his team
has progressed from a state gold medal to
placing fourth at nationals, Young’s path
has been anything but simple.
“When he hit high school, he didn’t like
school anymore. He begged us to allow
him to take his GED and quit,” explains
his mother, Tina.
Then Young took a sophomore field
trip to Putnam Career and Technical
Center in Eleanor, W.Va., where the Cisco
networking program captured his interest.
Instructor Tim Toler explained how to
convert binary into numbers. “That was
absolutely the spark,” the student says.
Later, over dinner, Toler and SkillsUSA
advisor Denise Foster discussed Young’s
future with his family. “We were blown
away by the opportunities SkillsUSA
provides,” Tina Young says. “We beamed
with pride as his advisor and teacher spoke
highly of Nick and told us they would be
with him every step of the way.”
After a few months, Toler asked him
to try out for the Opening and Closing
Ceremonies team. “I said, ‘That’s up my
alley; I will try out for that,’ ” Nick Young
remembers. He learned the basics, then
began to work on nuances that helped the
team go from good to great. “Now I know
how to pay more attention to specific
things or to change things to give it a little
more oomph.” He gradually became a
leader for his SkillsUSA chapter and team.
“He told me about the state competition
and I couldn’t believe how excited he was,”
Tina Young says. “His father and I made
it a priority to attend. The team took first
place, and my son was introduced as state
vice president. There are no words to
describe what that weekend meant!”
Now 18, the senior plans to study
computer science in college next year.
“Keep trying until you find what’s right
for you,” he advises other students. It’s a
path that’s taken him from saying, “I’ve
got to get out” to being a standout.
Winter2016SkillsUSAChampions
17
toolbox
Shining Light on SkillsUSA
Brightens Paths to Success
y the time February rolls around,
many feel a sense of holiday withdrawal. And let’s be honest — Valentine’s
Day just can’t compete in the big leagues.
But there is a week in February that
should get you feeling all warm and fuzzy
again: SkillsUSA Week, part of National
Career and Technical Education Month.
It’s a great time to raise awareness of and
promote the organization at your local
and state levels. But before you do, make
sure your message is focused.
As a class, discuss the top selling points
of the organization for parents, employers and fellow students. What aspect of
SkillsUSA would be most interesting to
each of those groups? Is there a common
thread within those three answers?
Next, make specific plans to get the
SkillsUSA message out there. Hold
an open house for parents or industry
partners. Share the new Mike Rowe PSAs
(see Page 7). Host a social event for fellow
students. Above all, be creative, loud and
proud! For more, visit: www.skillsusa.org/
events-training/skillsusa-week/.
Photo:LloydWolf
B
Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do.
— Johann Wolfgang von goethe
•
Findthephoto,winaprize
No, the picture on the left isn’t abstract art. It’s actually a distorted part of
another photo in this issue. Find the original photo and send us the page
number where it appears to win a SkillsUSA special “sackpack” (first prize)
or travel mug (second prize). To enter, email your answer, name, address
and phone number to [email protected] (include “Photo Contest” in
the subject line). Or, send to SkillsUSA Photo Contest, 14001 SkillsUSA Way,
Leesburg, VA 20176. One first- and one second-prize winner will be drawn
at random from the correct entries. Entries must be received by Jan. 15.
Congratulations to last issue’s winners: Troy Williams of Lehighton, Pa., and
Destiny Rose of Princeton, W.Va.
•
18
SkillsUSAChampionsWinter2016
spotlight
PAMPERING
SERVICES
FOR PATIENTS
Helping kids stay safe
T
rezevant Career and Technical
Center students in Memphis, Tenn.,
provide free cosmetology services to
cancer survivors and patients during the
school’s Cancer Pamper Party.
Besides giving patients some relief
from disruptions caused by treatments,
offering services to actual clients rather
than mannequins gives students handson, customer-service experience. Services
include haircuts, pedicures, manicures,
waxing and facials. Culinary arts students
prepare and serve refreshments.
•
Photo:ChrisPryor,PoincianaHighSchool.
Usedwithpermission.
•
n Arizona, the law, public safety and security students at Pima County Joint
Technical Education District have been working on a child safety program
with Tucson police Detective Joseph Wall (pictured rear left) and officers
Adam Shoun and Dave Schneider.
In conjunction with the
city police department
and the Southern Arizona
Children’s Advocacy
Center, the students
traveled to elementary
schools and incorporated
the department’s Happy
Bear Program. They
talked to youngsters about
child abuse prevention and
Internet safety.
School’s courtyard gets a makeover.
Plantinghappiness
A pleasant learning environment is
conducive to learning. So what happens
when students step up to make their
surroundings look better? Accolades.
Comments like “the project caused
the environment to look more alive and
the people more happy” came pouring
in when Eagle Construction students at
Poinciana High School in Kissimmee,
Fla., spruced up the school’s courtyard.
In four weeks, they removed weeds,
garbage and dead trees. They picked out
and planted new trees and shrubbery and
built borders for the gardens.
•
Empowering the Next Generation of
Power Plant Operators
OSUIT students engage in a two-year degree plan that includes a paid
internship & significant progress towards an initial Plant Operator
qualification.
Visit osuit.edu/powerplant for the top ten reasons
to pursue your degree at OSUIT.
Oklahoma’s Only University of APPLIED Technology
Photo:PimaCountyJTED,
Usedwithpermission.
I
image
S
killsUSA Champions features our members’ photography. We’re looking for images of SkillsUSA chapters in action, or ones that
show individual members’ concentration or perseverance. For details, email [email protected] (put “Image Photo” in the subject
header) or write SkillsUSA Champions, 14001 SkillsUSA Way, Leesburg, VA 20176. The photographer’s chapter is awarded $150.
•
Photo:JoeMauck
The championships
must go on: Carpentry
competitors David
Bair (left) and Michael
Norris keep working
despite a downpour at
the SkillsUSA Oregon
event. Their instructor at St. Helens High
School, Joe Mauck,
took the photo.
If you want to excel at
this school, and if you
want to keep your job
for the next year, make
sure these kids work on
their SkillsUSA projects
and you work with that
particular curriculum.
Retiring after 30 years, teacher
Roy Blanchard of Dedham, Mass.,
gives advice to his successor
20
SkillsUSAChampionsWinter2016
I strongly believe I can make a difference and earn
recognition with colleges and gain employment
with auto companies in the future. This amazing
opportunity will help me gain self-esteem, confidence and independence.
Automotive Refinishing Technology contestant Giannie Cintron
of Bound Brook, N.J., talks about the SkillsUSA Championships
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