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Media Advisory |
19 Delta College Students win Gold at SkillsUSA Competition
San Joaquin Delta College once again hosted the SkillsUSA Region 5 Competition this past January. The results are in - It turned out to be an extremely successful event for 19 Delta College competitors. Not only did they receive gold medals for their trade and technical skill proficiency, they are eligible to compete at the state SkillsUSA competition in San Diego, April 12-15. Students who excel in San Diego will be invited to the national "Championship Level" competition in Kansas City, June 23-27.
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization that partners with students, teachers and industry to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The goal is to help prepare students for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. The organization has 13-thousand chapters with almost 15-thousand instructors and administrators as members. This year, about 500 students competed at Delta College.
"Delta's competitors are to be congratulated for displaying their trade and technical skills aptitude in a competitive environment," says Alex Taddei, Delta College welding instructor and SkillsUSA advisor. "Our students will no doubt be successful at San Diego, and many will advance to the national competition in Kansas City."
This was the second year in a row Delta has hosted a preliminary SkillsUSA competition - unquestionably a natural pairing, considering Delta’s 170 career and certificate training programs. "As with any volunteer event, there is a learning curve," adds Taddei. "The positive response from attendees regarding Delta's facilities was awesome. Special thanks go to Delta College, our judges, and the MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) Club volunteers.”
Taddei points out that those who witnessed this year’s competitions and caliber of students understand why Delta hosts SkillsUSA competitions. “The variety of skills tested is impressive. SkillsUSA helps students stay at the forefront of the latest technologies in their disciplines. To compete and earn an award in a SkillsUSA event is validation of an individual’s ability.” Taddei says the competition may reap future rewards in the job market. “A SkillsUSA award is undeniably a point of interest in a resume.”
Alex Taddei finishes enthusiastically, “I heartily encourage instructors and our local industry to become involved with SkillsUSA. Keep our country strong by helping our students become the best they can be!"
San Joaquin Delta College SkillsUSA Region 5 Gold Medalists:
20 Second Elevator Brenda Perez, Juan Jasso
Promotional Bulletin Board Itzel Navarro & Renata Zapara
Medical Terminology Stephanie Ramirez
HVAC Steve Brown, Harvey Yep
Welding, SMAW Casey Baker, Leandra DeSantiago
Job Interview Jessica Carranza-Lopez
Technical Drafting Christopher Martin
Quiz Bowl Juhie Singh, Luis Rios, Juan Jasso, Chris Martin
Welding, MIG Damien Galabis, Francisco Maldonado
Precision Machining 1 David Pereira
Web Page Design Ger Chang, Itzel Navarro, Luis Rios, Juhie Singh
Computer Maintenance Tech James Donkin III
Prepared Speech Jessica Carranza-Lopez
Criminal Justice Jessica Carranza-Lopez
Welding Combo Luke Pond
Good Luck in San Diego!
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