Eleven Collin students took home gold medallions and a chance to compete in the upcoming national SkillsUSA competition.
SkillsUSA is a national organization dedicated to developing the country’s workforce through personal, workplace, and technical skills. The organization serves more than 400,000 middle school, high school, and college students annually, with 4,000 local chapters. The organization’s framework contributes to students being job-ready after graduation because participants have a better understanding of what skills employers are looking for.
SkillsUSA not only offers training opportunities but also hosts competitions to recognize students’ dedication and excellence in mastering their craft. This is the third time Collin College students have participated in the competition.
This year, 44 Collin College students took part in the competition and doubled the number of competitions won last year. The following students from Collin College earned gold medals:
Lisa Dorman and Hank Humble of McKinney – 3D Visualization Team Competition, Advisor Russel Smith
Noah Durazo of Plano – HVAC, Advisor Mike Brucia
Vu Mai of Richardson – Collision Damage Appraisal, Advisors Raven Luna and Winferd Vermillion
Tyler Mathieson of Melissa – Technical Computer Application, Advisor Allen Smith
Jacob McCord of Richardson – Welding, Advisors Cesar Lopez-Maldonado, Landon LaRocque, and James Yale
Joshua Meza of Mesquite – Automotive Refinishing, Advisors Raven Luna and Winferd Vermillion
Lydia Nitz of Plano – Photography, Advisor Lisa Means
Julian Riley of Frisco – Graphic Communications, Advisor Erin Clark
Peter Summers of Plano – Collision Repair Technology, Advisors Raven Luna and Winferd Vermillion
Garrett Williams of Flower Mound – Automotive, Advisor James Yervasi
Overall, 23 students were awarded gold, silver, or bronze medallions commemorating their accomplishments. The 11 gold medalists are eligible to compete at the national SkillsUSA competition held June 23-27 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Collin College serves more than 60,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Construction Management, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Clinical Operations Management, and a new Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Software Development. The only public college based in Collin County, Collin College is a partner to business, government, and industry, providing customized training and workforce development. For more information, visit www.collin.edu.
Left to right: Automotive Professor/Advisor James Yervasi, Nathan Cornell (student), Neven Campos (student), Garrett Williams (student)