11 CNM Students in Atlanta This Week to Compete in National SkillsUSA Competition
A group of CNM students is in Atlanta this week for the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference where they will be competing against thousands of other students from around the country after winning gold at the SkillsUSA New Mexico Competition earlier this year.
The annual conference is an opportunity for the best career and technical education (CTE) students in the nation to show off their skills in over 100 CTE fields. More than 19,000 people — including students, teachers, and business partners — are participating in the weeklong event, which kicked off with activities for students on Monday, followed by an opening ceremony on Tuesday.
Competitions began on Wednesday and will continue throughout the day on Thursday. Not only are the students competing against each other, but they’re also working against the clock in order to prove their expertise, and hopefully, impress the judges. According to event organizers, more than 6,500 students—all state contest winners—are competing in 108 separate categories at an event space that spans 26 acres, or the equivalent of 20 football fields.
The conference will culminate with an awards ceremony on Friday evening. CNM students have a long tradition of success and last year two CNM welding students won gold.
SkillsUSA is a national organization that exists to promote the trades by bringing together students, educators, and industry leaders to support the development of a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA competitions are designed and judged by industry professionals and offer students valuable work experience as well as important networking opportunities.
Good luck to the following CNM students competing in this year’s SkillsUSA Championships!
- Alyssa Copeland; Welding Sculpture
- Damian Rodriguez; Diesel Equipment Technology
- Ryan Schuster; Diesel Equipment Technology
- Marcus Kessler; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR)
- Clay Rexroad; Welding
- Armando Urias; Welding
- John Caldwell; Cabinetmaking
- Ryan Carson; Aviation Maintenance
- Christopher Rodriguez; Welding Fabrication
- Zane Horton; Welding Fabrication
- Nicholas Griego; Welding Fabrication