Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment teacher Wes Blidy says he is very proud of his Niagara Career and Technical Education Center students. Not only did they do amazing at the regional SkillsUSA competition at Alfred State College, they brought home prizes and scholarships as a result of their hard work and efforts.
Congratulations go to:
Erica Smith (Starpoint) who took first place in the Diesel Technology competition. She was awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and $500 in cash from SkillsUSA. The cash prize was the first time that SkillsUSA handed this out.
Nick Trifiletti (Starpoint) took second place in the Diesel Technology competition. He received a $1,500 scholarship from UTI.
Carter Kopp (Wilson) placed third in the Diesel Technology competition. He received a $1,000 scholarship from UTI.
Matt Garven (North Tonawanda) took second place in the Power Equipment competition. He received a $1,500 scholarship from UTI.
Tony Dipaolo (Starpoint) took third place in the Power Equipment competition. He received a $1000 scholarship from UTI.
Tallis Hayes (Lewiston-Porter) took second place in the Small Engine competition and received a $1,500 scholarship from UTI.
Connor Surman (Starpoint) took third place in the Small Engine competition and received a $1,000 scholarship from UTI.
The SkillsUSA Championships begin at the local chapters across the country. Local winners advance to the New York State competition, testing their skills against competitors from other schools. The gold medalists then compete at the National SkillsUSA competition in June where they hope to earn gold, silver and bronze medallions, scholarships, tools of the trade and even job offers! The SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference is one of the largest hands-on workforce development events in the world that features 6,5000 state champions across the United States who compete in head-to-head in over 114 skilled and leadership competitions.