Staff Reports
Claremore Progress
CLAREMORE —
Students from Northeast Technology Center’s Pryor campus competed and placed in the Oklahoma state SkillsUSA competition held in Tulsa last month.
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. It was formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).
Horticulture instructor Sharon Key had three students compete and place in the contest. Rebecca Pillock, an adult student from Foyil, placed 2nd in Floral Design; Nic Petros, a junior from Claremore, placed 3rd in Floral Design; and Erin White, a senior from Chelsea, placed 2nd in Floral Design. Modern Industrial Technology instructor Craig Cooper had one student in the contest. Logan Howell, a senior from Locust Grove, competed in the secondary Welding category.
Electrical Technology instructor Lester Leak had four students compete. Aaron Smith, an adult student from Adair, placed 2nd in Robotics, and Miles Brunner, an adult student from Locust Grove, placed 1st in Residential. Nathan Buscher, an adult student, placed 3rd in Motor Controls, and Andy Tiller, an adult student from Big Cabin, placed 2nd in Robotics.
Automotive Collision Repair instructor Ray Darnell had two students compete and place. Ethan Foster, a senior from Pryor, placed 3rd in Automotive Refinishing. Josh Fell, an adult student from Siloam Springs, placed 3rd in Collision Repair.
Welding Technology instructor Jeff Smith had two students compete. Terry Ballou, an adult student from Salina, placed 4th in Post-Secondary Welding. Garret Holloway, an adult student from Chelsea, also competed in Post-Secondary Welding.
Cosmetology instructor Kathy Gotter had one student compete and place in the competition. Ashley Raiber, a senior from Claremore, placed 1st in Cosmetology – Hair.
Diesel Technology instructor Trent Peper had two students place in the contest. Logan Applegate, a senior from Inola, placed 2nd in Diesel. Brandon Hopper, a senior from Pryor, placed 5th in Diesel.
Students placing 1st in the state competition will then be moving on to the national contest in Kansas City this summer.
