18 May SkillsUSA 2021 Champions
SkillsUSA Students Advance to Nationals
Six Carteret Community College students competed in the North Carolina SkillsUSA Championship April 19-23 and won big! Students competed virtually in the Culinary Arts, Diesel Technology, Cosmetology, and Medical Math categories.
“In response to the pandemic, all meetings, conferences, and competitions were held virtually,” said Bena Weires, Carteret CC’s SkillsUSA advisor. “We are very proud of these students for their perseverance and success during these challenging times.”
Courtney DuMarce, a Carteret CC Cosmetology student placed first in the Secondary Cosmetology competition and will advance to the National SkillsUSA Championship on Monday, June 14th. Accompanying her first-place finish, DuMarce also received a prize package from Pivot Point, a professional beauty supply company.
Also among first place winners was Ryan Avera, a Carteret CC Radiography student who won first place in the Medical Math Post-Secondary competition. “Ryan is a highly motivated young man,” said Elaine Postawa, Radiography Program chair. “He served in the US Army for eight years and deployed twice overseas. He received the Radiography Outstanding Student Award for 2021 and is an all-around great person. He was a dedicated student who always went the extra mile by helping classmates understand concepts and participating in academic events.” Avera will also advance to the national competition on June 14th.
The remaining four students performed extremely well in their respective categories and placed as follows:
Ridge Hayden placed second in the Diesel Technology Secondary competition and was awarded a prize package from Snap-On Tools along with a $3,000 scholarship to Universal Technical Institute. Michelle McCoy placed third in the Culinary Arts Post-Secondary competition followed by Ryan Dillon who placed fourth. Finally, Blake Morris placed fifth in the Diesel Technology Post-Secondary competition.
“SkillsUSA is a great supporter of career and technical education and is a nationally renowned organization,” said Dr. Maggie Brown, the college’s Vice President of Instruction and Student Support. “Winning and placing in these competitions is a true mark of excellence for our students and speaks to the quality education and training these students receive in our shops and labs. Our students can put this first professional achievement on their resumes and know that employers will recognize the high honor it represents. We are so proud of each of them!”
In addition to student accolades, the Carteret Community College SkillsUSA program was awarded the Chapter of Excellence Award for their participation in local, state, and national events this year.
To learn more about the Carteret CC SkillsUSA program contact Bena Weires at weiresb@carteret.edu.
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