More than 1,000 students from high schools and colleges from across Minnesota competed in leadership and occupational skill contests March 27-29. Austin High School sent seven students to participate in the Minnesota SkillsUSA Championships Conference, a state level competition for students in Career & Technical Education.

State competitors included A.C. Ramlo, Samantha Raimann, Chase Nelson, Zack White, Dakota Ringling, Josh Shelley and Nick Smith. These students competed in Graphic Communications, Welding, Photography, Safety, Extemporaneous Speaking, Job Interview, Tool & Equipment Identification and Mechanics Dexterity. Craig Knippel, AHS SkillsUSA advisor and graphic arts teacher.

State Medals were awarded to: Nick Smith, first gold medal in Graphics; Josh Sheeley, third bronze medal in Tool & Equipment Identification; and Dakota Ringling, third bronze medal in Extemporaneous Speaking.

The Skills USA Championship competitions were offered at six metropolitan colleges, several private industry sights and the Sheraton Hotel.  More than 300 industry leaders served on technical committees to prepare and administer more than 60 different hands-on competitions and were present to judge the events. Only first place winners are eligible to represent their school and state at the National SkillsUSA Championships in Kansas City, Mo. in June. Smith will attend the national competition to show his skills in graphics.

SkillsUSA is a nationwide partnership of business and industry, career oriented students and their instructors.  Its goals are to motivate students, teach leadership skills, assist teachers in producing occupational ready students and provide quality workers to business and industry.