IVVC Students Compete at SkillsUSA Leadership State Conference
Indian Valley Vocational Center’s SkillsUSA competitors traveled to Peoria, Illinois to participate in the State Leadership SkillsUSA Conference (SLSC) on April 28 - April 30, 2022. Students in Automotive Technology, Construction Trades, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Science, Graphic Design, and Welding and Fabrication programs represented IVVC well over the course of the conference. Two students reflected on their experiences during the conference below:
“My name is Atzary Martinez, my home school is Hinckley-Big Rock High School, and I recently participated in a competition for SkillsUSA in Advertising Design. During my time preparing for the competition, I found myself stressing about everything I had to do and learn in order to fully prepare myself. Once I was competing, I realized that the only thing I needed was the skill I acquired throughout my Graphic Design class and feedback I received from my teachers. Everything else I already had. I learned that designing is something I really enjoy, and it made competing so much easier. I found myself enjoying and relaxing in a situation I would usually stress in. I also found art in every other competition at Skills that day. It was enjoyable to watch everyone exceed their expectations in their fields and being able to talk about it afterwards made me aware of how hands-on experience is necessary for everyone.”
“Hi, this is Justin Lee, from Somonauk High School, and I would like to share with you about my SkillsUSA experience. First of all, I would like to thank my teachers for giving me the chance to compete even if it means waking up at four o’clock to get supplies to me, and also just having an enjoyable time at Skills. One experience I really liked from the trip would be just struggling through the blueprint reading and trying my best to get the right measurements. Secondly, one of the most important reasons we go to Skills is to meet new people and have a great time together, especially at events such as the baseball game, dinners, and just the interactions I encountered during this trip. What I would like to tell future students of IVVC is that SkillsUSA is an awesome experience, and you won't regret what you learn if you join the SkillsUSA team. Thank-you for everyone's time and effort to help improve and advance me in my journey.”
The following students earned medals at the competition:
GOLD MEDALISTS:
Molly Feitlich, Indian Creek, First Aid/CPR
Atzary Martinez, Hinckley-Big Rock, Advertising Design
SILVER MEDALISTS:
Abby Entas, Hinckley-Big Rock, First Aid/CPR
William Lauer, Hinckley-Big Rock, Welding Sculpture
BRONZE MEDALIST:
Braedon Landers, Sandwich, Welding Sculpture
The journey continues for gold medalists Molly Feitlich and Atzary Martinez who will compete at the National SkillsUSA Leadership Conference, June 20-24, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. Best of luck to these competitors!!!
We are very proud of every student who participated in the SLSC! They represented themselves, their families, their home schools, and IVVC extremely well. The future is bright for these fine young adults!