Matthew Kuznicki, a 2022 graduate from Lehighton High School and the Carbon Career & Technical Institute, Jim Thorpe, was honored at a special presentation following the CCTI Joint Operating Committee meeting on July 21.

“This is what you envision every career and technical student to do, Matt would be the example,” said Brent Borzak, CCTI Administrative Director. “Finish strong academically, strong career and technically, and a strong work ethic.”

Kuznicki won a gold medal at the SkillsUSA National Competition held June 20-24 in Atlanta in the CNC Turning Specialist competition. In April, Kuznicki won gold at the State Competition in Lancaster.

Kuznicki was honored with citations from state Sen. John Yudichak, Rep. Doyle Heffley, and U. S. Congressman Dan Meuser. He was also honored by Carbon County Commissioner Rocky Ahner, Jim Thorpe Mayor Michael Sofranko and the Jim Thorpe Borough Council.

Also attending the event were Matthew’s family; his parents, Stan and Wendy, and siblings Kayla and Robert. Another brother, Kyle, was not able to attend.

Ahner offered his thoughts.

“For what you have done; you are not the head of the class, you are the head of the country. For me, personally, I have never given an award for anything like this, for anybody of this stature. What you have done is unbelievable. You are going to be a leader and make us all proud.”

Matthew earned honor roll in four years at CCTI, was a member of the National Honor Society in his junior and senior year, participated in a co-op program at Technical Processing and Engineer Inc., Lehighton.

Bill Marks, Technical Processing and Engineer Inc., Lehighton, thanked him.

“It is really a great honor and pleasure to have you work with us. I see you focused on doing good work and being the best you can be.”

Kevin Kuehner, CCTI Technical Instructor for Precision Machine Dept, presented Matthew with a second scholarship check in the amount of $10,000.

CCTI Principal Michelle Allen, also thanked Kuehner for his work.

“I would also like to recognize Mr. (Kevin) Kuehner for his outstanding leadership, guidance, and support for all the students in Precision Machine. Mr. Kuehner should be proud to have Matt as his fourth 1st-place winner on the national level. That’s an incredible accomplishment, so congratulations to Mr. Kuehner and to Matt.”

“I want to thank the school for giving me the opportunity to learn about machining,” Kuznicki said. “I came into the school having no clue what machining was. I found it, found that it was interesting, and enjoy doing it. I put the time for it, the effort for it. If anyone else can do it, so can I. I want to say thank you to all of you, thank you for your support.”