Students shine in SkillsUSA contest
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Fifteen students from the Eudora-De Soto Technical Education Center finished in the top ten at the state SkillsUSA contest, including five medalists and three first-place gold medals and national qualifiers. The April 18 awards ceremony in Wichita honored top Kansas winners from contests in technical education that were held across the state during the month of April.
In addition, EDTEC students won eight statesperson awards and a membership increase plaque for the local SkillsUSA programs.
Students from the Eudora-De Soto Technical Education Center competed in several events and enjoyed success in each. Winners also were the recipients of scholarships to select colleges and universities. The graphic communications students of Jim Lynch won in two contests, Graphic Communications and Screen Printing. Top finishes were:
- Kayla Gilroy, first place, Graphic Communication
- Samantha Randal, first place, Screen Printing
- Brianna Schumacher, second place, Screen Printing
- Rebecca Driefuss, third place, Screen Printing
The culinary arts students in Jason Gray's class entered three contests, Commercial Baking, Culinary Arts and Food and Beverage Service. Top finishers were:
- Carl Abram, fifth place, Culinary Arts
- Erik Ahlen, seventh place, Culinary Arts
- Natalie Gloshen, fourth place, Commercial Baking
- Amanda Graff, fourth place, Food and Beverage Service
- Dustin True, fifth place, Commercial Baking
- Kelsie Riser, sixth place, Commercial Baking
- JoAnna Male, sixth place, Culinary Arts
- Lindsey Simanowitz, sixth place, Food and Beverage Service
- Jim Thoennes, first place, Food and Beverage Service
Don Balluch's woodworking students and the auto collision technology students led by Heath Daniel and Kim Horton also participated in the SkillsUSA contests. Students Mike White and Corey Long took home fourth place finishes in Cabinetmaking and Automotive Refinishing Technology, respectively.
Winners of the Statesperson Pin Award were:
- Erik Ahlen
- JoAnna Male
- Natalie Gloshen
- Amanda Graff
- Jennifer Raines
- Ashley Ingwerson
- Jim Thoennes
- Carl Abram
Secondary Scholarships also were awarded to Dustin True and Ashley Ingwerson
Staff members also were recognized at the event, including a five-year service pin for Heath Daniel and one-year service pins for Jace Stewart, Kim Horton and Renee Mueting. In addition, Jason Gray was elected to the board of directors for SkillsUSA.
