MEXICO, NY – Career and Technical Education students from the Center for Instruction, Technology and Innovation tested their knowledge and skill sets at the New York State SkillsUSA Conference.
Four students returned with medals and will proceed to the national conference in June.
According to skillsusa.org, “SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel. We provide educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education in the nation’s classrooms.”
Held in Syracuse at the NYS Fairgrounds, the state competition has nearly 2,000 CTE students compete in technical, trade and leadership contests each year.
Outdoor Power Equipment and Technology student Zach Bush from the Oswego City School District was awarded a gold medal for placing first in the Motorcycle Service Technology competition.
Bush had to perform maintenance tasks, electrical diagnostics, brake service and more on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle as the judges observed his technical abilities.
Computer Systems student Marc Maestri from the Phoenix Central School District placed second in the Computer Maintenance Technology competition, which involved computer coding and output.
Power Equipment Technology student Ben Frymoyer from Central Square Central School District came home with a third place bronze medal.
His tests required knowledge of engines, hydraulics, wiring schematics and related theories.
Computer Systems student Eric Swart from the Fulton City School District was also awarded a bronze medal in Internetworking, which consisted of three parts: networking design, general networking and hands-on evaluations.
Swart was asked to trouble shoot network systems, configure routers and make cables while also delivering adequate customer service.
The 51st National Leadership and Skills Conference will be held in Louisville, Kentucky June 22-26.
Bush, Maestri, Frymoyer and Swart will have the opportunity to compete against other state contest winners from across the country.
