Sixteen students from Nassau BOCES premier career and technical education (CTE) high schools, Barry Tech and CG Tech, took top honors at the New York State SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Championships, held in Syracuse earlier this spring. Students participated in a series of timed events related to their courses of study at Nassau BOCES, as well as in competitions in leadership and professional development. One student earned a distinguished office as a national delegate representing New York State.
Students from the following districts took first place:
Levittown UFSD student Joshua Sinclair-Chong, who is studying Computer Game Design & Programming, took first in Video Gaming.
Lynbrook UFSD student Jackson Caponi, who is studying Audio Production, won first place in Audio Radio Production.
Malverne UFSD student Alondra Diaz, who is studying Medical Assisting, took the top spot as a member of the American Spirit team.
Roslyn UFSD student Dean Dauplaise, who is studying Construction Trades, won first in the Carpenter’s Assistant Basic category.
Syosset CSD student Scott Wong, who is studying Audio Production, earned first place in Audio Radio Production.
Valley Stream CHSD student Kate Kalb, who is studying Medical Assisting, took the top spot as a member of the American Spirit team.
Westbury UFSD student Angel Amaya Cruz, who is studying Computer Game Design & Programming, won first for Interactive Application & Video Gaming.
Students from the following districts took second place:
Bellmore-Merrick CHSD student Amal Jaghab, who is studying Medical Assisting, took the number two spot in Job Skills Demonstration.
Freeport UFSD student Shelby Jackson, who is studying Nurse Assisting, took second place in the Health Knowledge Bowl.
Hicksville UFSD student Julia Boitos, who is taking the Physical Therapy Aide & Rehabilitation Medicine course, took second in the Health Knowledge Bowl.
Jericho UFSD student Kazuki Kadota-Browner, who is taking the Exercise Medicine & Personal Trainer course, also took second in the Health Knowledge Bowl.
Port Washington UFSD student Karen Moreno, who is studying Culinary Skills, earned second place in the Employment Application Process category.
Valley Stream CHSD Marilyn Garcia, who is taking the Physical Therapy Aide & Rehabilitation Medicine course, took second place in the Health Knowledge Bowl.
Students from the following districts took third place:
Bethpage UFSD student Elaine Ortiz, who is studying Medical Assisting at GC Tech earned third place, and student Ella Walsh who is studying Veterinary Science, earned third place in the Animal Careers category.
Hicksville UFSD student and Tatian Torres, who is studying Culinary Arts, won third in the Culinary Arts category.
Hewlett-Woodmere UFSD student Kerrisha Jean was named a New York State representative and officer for Area VI and Vice President.
Considerable effort goes into qualifying for the annual SKillsUSA competition. These students have a double workload, not only completing their CTE assignments but also satisfying full courses of study at their home schools. Add to that the intensive training that it takes to earn the privilege of competing in SkillsUSA, and it becomes clear how tirelessly these students work.
The competition is part of SkillsUSA’s mission to provide our country with a competitive, skilled workforce. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry leaders working together to prepare high school and college students to become leaders in the business world. The program helps establish industry standards for job-skill training and instills a respect for community service in its participants. The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes SkillsUSA as a “successful model of an employer-driven youth development program.”
