DCIT students place in state SkillsUSA Competition
Max Sherman, Justin Hunter, Luke Harrison, Bryan Andrews, and Teddy Cutler placed in the top 3 in the SkillsUSA state competitive event.
Photo courtesy of DCIT.
During the week of March 25-28, 2015, trade and industry students from across the state attended the SkillsUSA State Conference in Greenville, S.C. Event competitions were held throughout March and concluded during the conference. Students displayed their intelligence, poise, and leadership ability while impressing the judges in a variety of competitive events including Automotive Technology, Auto Body Collision Repair, Carpentry, Industrial Electricity, Computer Maintenance Technology, Graphics, Leadership, Job Interview, Motor Controls, Machine Tool Technology, Screen-printing, and Welding. The SkillsUSA Championship started in 1967 in South Carolina with only three events. here were 54 competitors in the first championship. South Carolina now has more than 80 skills and leadership events and over 1000 competitors each year.
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving people who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. Formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. The South Carolina association includes membership of over 3500 students, advisors, and professionals throughout the state. It has been serving students, educators and business and industry by keeping up with both employers’ needs and education mandates and trends.
Caleb Gandy and Malachi Swiger placed in the top 3 in their respective events at the SkillsUSA state competitive event.
Photo courtesy of DCIT.
The Darlington County Institute of Technology sent twenty-five competitors to the state SkillsUSA competitive event. Mr. James Griggs, Mr. Gary Hayes, Mr. Kevin Hill, Mr. Jesse Flowers, Mr. Dennis Johnson, Mr. Daren McKenzie, Mr. Kenny Tiller, and Mrs. Sandra White serve as local chapter advisors. Several DCIT students placed in the top ten in their respective events.
• CNC Turning Specialist: Theodore Cutler (HHS) – 1st
• Electrical Construction Wiring: Luke Harrison (DHS) – 1st
• Graphic Imaging Sublimation: Max Sherman (HHS) – 1st
• Information Technology Service: Bryan Andrews (MHS) – 1st
• Welding Sculpture: Malachi Swiger (HHS) – 2nd
• CNC Milling Specialist: Justin Hunter (DHS) – 3rd
• CNC Technician: Caleb Gandy (DHS) – 3rd
• Electrical Construction Wiring: Andrew Gainey (DHS) – 4th
• Information Technology Service: Elias Mietzner (HHS) – 5th
• Related Technical Math: Ta’Von Addison (DHS) and Dylan Hall (HHS)– (tied for 5th)
• Welding Fabrication Team: Cotie Lawson (DHS), Wendell Chavis (HHS), and Caleb Windham (LHS)– 5th
• Advertising Design: Mycala Montrose (DHS) – 6th
• Job Interview: Jonathan Free (DHS) – 6th
• Screen Printing Technology: Brandon Wilson (MHS) – 7th
• Advertising Design: Kierston Hallums (DHS) – 8th
• Automotive Refinishing Technology: Jeremy Blue (HHS) – 10th
Each student placing in the top three received a certificate and a medallion. Additionally, all first place winners qualify to compete at the national SkillsUSA conference in Louisville, KY in June. More than 15,000 students, teachers, and business partners are expected to participate in the national SkillsUSA conference.
