CCTI students compete in SkillsUSA
When the opportunity to participate in the SkillsUSA district and state competitions presented itself, Carbon Career and Technical Institute didn’t hesitate to give it their all, but the COVID-19 pandemic meant that for the first time the state competitions would all be virtual without the customary trip to Hershey.
SkillsUSA is a nationwide organization, whose membership consists of career and technical school students whose vision is to produce the most highly skilled workforce in the world, providing every member the opportunity for career success.
The CCTI SkillsUSA advisers trusted and knew their students were talented, passionate, and determined; so they moved forward with a short time to prepare and gave the students and teachers the green light to train for their competitions.
Despite a hybrid schedule and disruptions resulting from the pandemic, instructors at CCTI found innovative ways to guide their students in their competitions. When the state competition ended, four students earned bronze medals, three students earned silver medals, and four students won gold medals.
The gold medalists are Tanner Lux, Kelsey Mehlig, Montanna Costenbader and Sherry Nametko.
While preparing for SkillsUSA, the students’ personal strength and courage to succeed shined through.
State gold medal winner Kelsey Mehlig of Marketing/Distribution Education said, “I felt excited to be working on such a big project and to be working with such an amazing team.”
State gold medal winner Tanner Lux of Marketing/Distribution Education said, “When I think about the things I’ve gained from competing in SkillsUSA the number one things are the lessons learned, the improved work ethic, professionalism, and team work.”
State gold medal winner Montanna Costenbader of Marketing/Distribution Education said, “No matter what is going on in the world around you never give up, try new things, be determined to do great things. If you can dream it you can achieve it so dream big and change the world!”
State gold medal winner Sherry Nametko of Health Medical Nurse Aide stated, “It was both exciting and an honor to win SkillsUSA. It helped me learn that all of my hard work in my technical area was worth it. This is a great start to my future nursing career!”
Advisers Kevin Kuehner, Tom Bartholomew and Maritza Reinbold and instructional aides and instructors were vital in guiding, proctoring, recording and training competitors. Staff members Nate Rinda, Jeff Nietz, Autumn Frey, Stephanie Gombert, and Geri Vavra, and Ashleigh Rehrig went above and beyond their duties to prepare students and host contests.
CCTI students earned a total of 15 district medals and nine state medals. The state gold medalists will be moving on to the national competition in June 2021. The competition will be virtual.
District competitors and medal winners are Sonoma DeVatt, Emily Highland, Aiden Marzen. Gold medal winners are Sean Bachert, Garrett Balliet, Kyle Burbage, Colby Haydt, Matthew Kuznicki, Noah Melber and Crysta Strohl. Silver medal winners are Ty Graver, Rachelle McFeely, Kyleah Kennedy, Rudolfo Johnston, Jakob Kuehner, Leland Kunkle, Ashley Little and Jack Trovato. Bronze Medal winner is Jack DeMarco.
State competitors and medal winners are Noah Melber, Wyatt Sherer, Crysta Strohl, Garrett Weaver and Jason Weng. Gold medal winners are Montanna Costenbader, Tanner Lux, Kelsey Mehlig are Sherry Nametko. Silver medal winners are Colby Haydt, Kyle Kuzan are Samantha Nenscel. Bronze medal winners are Garrett Balliet, Eliana Brazil, Kyle Burbage and Matthew Kuznicki.