SkillsUSA students win gold
By Kate Campbell, SkillsUSA chapter reporter
Presque Isle Regional Career and Technical Center
Special to The Star-Herald
On March 10, the SkillsUSA team set out for Bangor to compete in a two-day competition.
Contributed photo
MEMBERS of the SkillsUSA team from the Presque Isle Regional Career and Technical Center recently competed in the State of Maine Competition in their own individual skills competitions. They were very successful coming home with seven gold medals, nine silver medals and 11 bronze medals. Attending the competition were, front row, from left: Jeff Condon, Jessica Beaulieu, Dani Wolland, Casey Bonville, Amy Jandreau, Danni Anderson, Jaylee Fox and Jimmy Stepp. Middle row: Mackenzie Pinette, Christen Allen, Julea Gorneault, Whitney Michaud, Sophie Willette, Skylah Gendreau and Kate Campbell. Back row: Zack Lunney, James Bradley, Stephen Goulet, Zach Raymond, Emerson Mendieta-Castro, Ben McKenna and Luke Brabant.
It all started with the opening ceremony. Also to help start off the competition, all teams participated in a spirit award where they had a chance to show their enthusiasm for SkillsUSA and their own personal school and team. Our very own PIRCTC Skills team took home this award and continued to show their spirit throughout the whole competition. Presque Isle was also represented with the singing of the national anthem by Sophie Willette and Kate Campbell.
On day two of the competition, all members were assigned to their specific contest site. A lot of hard work went into these competitions and the competitors worked months in order to succeed and represent their school and community well. However, not only students were recognized at the state level. Amy White, PIRCTC SkillsUSA adviser and business and photography instructor was awarded the Adviser of the Year Award for the state of Maine. Even though students were excited, they were not surprised in the least. White has thoroughly prepared all of her students and is supportive in all tasks they take on and for that the team is grateful.
Seven gold medals were awarded to students and they now have the opportunity to participate in the national competition June 18-26 in Kansas City, Mo. These medalists include Mackenze Pinette, photography; Stephen Goulet, related technical math; Kate Campbell, job interview; Danni Anderson, employment application process; and the team of Sophie Willette, Whitney Michaud and Megan Kaiser in promotional bulletin board.
In order for these students to be able to attend the national conference, they are participating in many fundraisers. The first fundraiser will be a spaghetti supper and auction being held Thursday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the Presque Isle High School cafeteria. Tickets will be sold at the door. Adult tickets are $5 and children under 12 will be admitted for $3. If you have items that you would like to donate toward the auction, please contact Amy White, SkillsUSA adviser at 764-1356.
