Local students place in state Skills USA competition
During the week of May 29-April 1, 2017 trade and industry students from across the state attended the SkillsUSA state conference in Greenville, SC. Event competitions started in late 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, carpentry, electrical construction wiring, advertising design, job skill demonstration, machine tool technology, screen-printing, and welding. The SkillsUSA Championship started in 1967 in South Carolina with only three events. There were 54 competitors in the first championship. South Carolina now has more than 80 skill and leadership events and over 1,000 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 3,500 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.
The Darlington County Institute of Technology sent seventeen competitors to the state SkillsUSA competitive event. James Griggs, Gary Hayes, Kevin Hill, Jesse Flowers, Dennis Johnson, Daren McKenzie, Jack Parker, and Sandra White serve as local chapter advisors. Several DCIT students placed in the top three in their respective events.
Electrical Construction Wiring: Wesley “Trey” Caudle (HHS) – 1st
CNC Milling Specialist: William “Tyler” Byrd (HHS) – 2nd
CNC Turning Specialist: Preston Wilks (HHS) – 2nd
Graphic Imaging Sublimation: Jalen Dixon (DHS) – 2nd
Welding Sculpture: Jacob Burr (HHS) – 2nd
Screen Printing: Dakota Olmstead (HHS) – 3rd
Job Skills Demonstration: Alex Huggins (HHS) – 3rd
Each student placing in the top three received a certificate and a medallion. Additionally, by placing 1st in his event, Wesley Caudle qualified to compete at the national SkillsUSA conference in Louisville, KY in June 2017. More than 16,000 students, teachers, and business partners are expected to participate in the national SkillsUSA conference.