Northeast Wisconsin Technical College students recently excelled at the Wisconsin SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference, which culminated with an awards ceremony held April 22 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
Twenty-one NWTC students earned 24 gold, silver, and bronze medals in 11 competitive events. The gold medal winners are eligible to compete at the 45th Annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, June 25, 2009.
“NWTC students got medals in all areas that we competed in,” said Tim Schmitz, NWTC instructor and SkillsUSA advisor. “As far as any of us can remember, that’s the first time that has happened! Also, there were three new competitions that NWTC competed in for the first time, Electronics Technology, Automotive Refinishing, and Industrial Motor Control.”
More than 40 NWTC students competed in the state SkillsUSA competition. Ten NWTC instructors, including Schmitz, served as advisors.
"I am most impressed with the participation level of the students, advisors, and instructors," said Mark Weber, NWTC dean, Trades and Technical. "The amount of learning and personal development gained during the preparation and competition is the real gold here. These students will never forget this experience."
NWTC’s 2009 State SkillsUSA Competition Results
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Automates Manufacturing Technology Contest
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Gold: Team of Bruce Meeuwsen, Green Bay; Eric Wendt, Greenleaf; Brett Stordeur, Green Bay
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Silver: Team of Zach Heim, Luxemburg; Ryan Kyllonen, De Pere; Dan Berghius, Green Bay
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Precision Machining Technology Contest
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Gold: Eric Wendt, Greenleaf
Bronze: Bruce Meeuwsen, Green Bay
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CNC Milling Contest
Gold: Bruce Meeuwsen, Green Bay
Silver: Cory Jansa, Green Bay
Bronze: Tom Hansen, Green Bay
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Welding Contest
Gold: Neil Marshall, Kaukauna
Silver: Sam Klug, Greenleaf
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Diesel Equipment Technology Contest
Silver: Blake Cihlar, Sturgeon Bay
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Residential Wiring Contest
Gold: Danny Pludeman, Bonduel
Silver: Matt Davenport, Green Bay
Bronze: Tyler DuChateau, Luxemburg
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Electronics Technology Contest
Gold: Devon Deda, Kewaunee
Silver: Ian Estano, Green Bay
Collision Repair Contest
Silver: Matt Kopsi, Menominee, Mich.
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Automotive Refinishing Contest
Bronze: Trenton Wall, Oconto Falls
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Automotive Service Technology
Silver: Josh Steffel, Green Bay
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Industrial Motor Control
Gold: Randy Birr, Oconto Falls
Bronze: John Ross, Newton
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. It was formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America). Source: skillsusa-wi.org
For more information about NWTC’s participation in SkillsUSA, contact Tim Schmitz, NWTC SkillsUSA Advisor, (920) 498-6849.