SkillsUSA

championsWINTER 2015

50 ways to win! experts respond with contest tips how underdogs take the gold making history with middle schools industry changes 50 years in the future

Amazing Comebacks Driven to Succeed WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A CHAMPION? STANDARDS

2015-2016 SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards Book Order the book for $35.95 at www.lulu.com

2015-2016 SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards CD-ROM Package Order the CD-ROM package for $19.95 online at: www.skillsusa.org/store/technicalstandards.html

2015 SkillsUSA Championships, Louisville, Ky., June 23 to 26

SkillsUSA champions SkillsUSA’s Official Magazine bOarD Of DirectOrS SkillsUSA champions online 14001 SkillsUSA Way, Leesburg, VA 20176-5494 Brent Kindred (Wisconsin) (Air Products) 703-777-8810 • www.skillsusa.org Michael de Castro Visit the SkillsUSA Champions “e-zine” version (Caterpillar University) Chris Arvin at www.skillsusa.org/champions/ to flip through (Tennessee) Magazine Staff/Office Of PublicatiOnS James King articles, view videos and extra photos and get Director (Utah) Tom Hall, Dave Milliken updates. You’ll find archives of past issues, adver- Associate Director, Communications (Kansas) Ann Schreiber, Peggy Torrens tiser links, lesson plans for new issues, and more. Craig Moore, Manager, Web/Technology Charles Wallace (Maryland) Manager, Audiovisual Technology/ (Association for Career and Technical Tom Kercheval, Alex Gromada See even more champions on our frequently Communications Education) updated website, www.skillsusa.org, as well as: Kathy Mannes (American Association of Community Office Of the executive DirectOr Colleges) Tim Lawrence, Executive Director Jennifer Polz (SkillsUSA State Directors Association) Sandra Moore, Administrative Assistant Scott Stump (National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Education Consortium) (Lowe’s Companies Inc.) aDMiniStratiOn anD finance Troy Dally Volume 49, No. 2 Kim Graham, Director Laurie Hackett (Air Products) SkillsUSA Champions (ISSN 1040-4538) is published four Keith Ashby, Manager, Educational Resources/ Russ Hoffbauer (State Farm Insurance Companies) times per school year — Fall (October/November), Winter National Center Chris Tesmer (Newell Rubbermaid) (December/January), Spring (February/March) and Summer Melissa Wilson, Manager, Human Resources (April/ May) — by SkillsUSA Inc. at 14001 SkillsUSA Way, Roxanne Hodge, Customer Service Representative natiOnal StuDent OfficerS/aDviSOrS Leesburg, VA 20176. Periodicals postage paid at Leesburg, VA, and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 2015 by SkillsUSA. HigH ScHool All rights reserved. Nonmember subscriptions: $15 per year uSineSS artnerShiPS anD evelOPMent () b P D Ahmad Shawwal/Timothy McLeod (SkillsUSA members, $1.30 paid with dues or affiliation fees). Kelly Persons, Director Dalton Crump/Elizabeth Crump () Dave Worden, Program Director, SkillsUSA Stephanie Wilburn/Todd Anderson () POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to SkillsUSA Champions, Championships Robert Gomez/Joe Valdez () Attn.: Judy Garrison, 14001 SkillsUSA Way, Leesburg, VA 20176. Christen Battaglia, Program Manager, Corporate Antonio Vargas/Laura Velez (Connecticut) and Campaign Development Taylor Mackie/Sheila Fox (Massachusetts) The names SkillsUSA, SkillsUSA Championships and SkillsUSA Karen Beatty, Program Manager, Business Partner- Benjamin Miller/Lauren-Anne Sledzinski (Virginia) Champions; the SkillsUSA: Champions at Work slogan; and the ships and Development Matthew Carder/Deborah Luellen () SkillsUSA logo, emblem and slogan art are all registered trade- marks of SkillsUSA Inc. All rights are reserved, and permission Jim Kregiel, Program Manager, SkillsUSA Anastasia Hawkins/Jordan Bedhart (Texas) Championships (Montana) must be granted by the national headquarters of SkillsUSA Summer Diegel/Eric Croft prior to any use.

cOMMunicatiOnS anD gOvernMent relatiOnS college/PoStSecondary In keeping with a tradition of respect for the individuality Tom Holdsworth, Associate Executive Director Brooke Johnson/James Carter (North Carolina) of our members and our role in workforce development, Jane Short, Program Manager Quinel Nabors/Joanne Edley () SkillsUSA strives to ensure inclusive participation in all of our Darlenne Helena/Thomas Thoss (Florida) programs, partnerships and employment opportunities. eDucatiOn, training anD aSSeSSMentS Shane Morrison/Ryland Stonehocker (Oklahoma) Marsha Daves, Director Alex Bruin/Michelle Martinez (Arizona) Heidi Walsh, Program Director, Programs and Grant Management Niki Clausen, Associate Director, Training Shelly Coates, Associate Director, Conference Management Services Stephanie Bland, Program Specialist Ashley Ridgeway, Program Specialist, Conference U.S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Management Services Publication Title: SkillsUSA Champions. Publication No.: 1040- Stated on PS Form 3541: average, 186,300; issue, 228,375; In- 4538. Filing Date: 10/1/14. Issue Frequency: Fall (October/Novem- County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form ber), Winter (December/January), Spring (February/March), Sum- 3541: average, none; issue, none; Sales Through Dealers and Car- Marketing, MeMberShiP anD SaleS mer (April/May). No. of Issues Published Annually: four. Annual riers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Paid or Requested Kelly Horton, Director Subscription Price: $1.30 for SkillsUSA members as part of dues; Distribution Outside USPS: average, none; issue, none; Judy Garrison, Senior Manager, Membership Services $15 per year for nonmembers. Mailing Address of Known Office Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the Susan Trent, Program Manager, Member Services of Publication: 14001 SkillsUSA Way, Leesburg, VA 20176-5494 USPS: average, none; issue, none. Total Paid and/or Requested Program Manager, Work Force Ready (Loudoun County). Contact Person: E. Thomas Hall, 703-777-8810, Distribution: average, 186,300; issue, 228,375. Nonrequested Dis- Patty Duncan, Ext. 626. Mailing Address of Headquarters: same. Publisher: tribution — Outside-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS System and Member Services SkillsUSA Inc., same address. Editor: E. Thomas Hall, same Form 3541: average, 2,595; issue, 2,545; In-County Nonrequested address. Owner: SkillsUSA Inc., 14001 SkillsUSA Way, Leesburg, VA Copies Included on PS Form 3541: average, none; issue, none; kanSaS city Office • 816-691-3827 20176. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees and Other Security Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Program Manager, Alumni Holders: none. The purpose, function and nonprofit status of Classes of Mail: average, none; issue, none. Nonrequested Copies Byekwaso Gilbert, this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax Distributed Outside the Mail: average, none; issue, none. Total purposes has not changed during the preceding 12 months. Nonrequested Distribution: average, 2,595; issue, 2,545. Total Dis- aDvertiSing rePreSentativeS fOr SkillSuSa chaMPiOnS Issue Date for Circulation Data: Fall 2014. Extent and Nature of tribution: average, 188,895; issue, 230,920. Copies Not Distrib- Constellation Enterprises Inc. Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 uted: average, 1,980; issue, 2,080. Total: average, 190,875; issue, Single Issue 53 Main St./P.O. Box 508, Cherry Valley, NY 13320 Months, 190,875; No. Copies of Published Nearest to 233,000. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: average, Filing Date, 233,000. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Circula- 99%; issue, 99%. I certify that all information furnished on this 607-264-9069 tion — Outside-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions form is true and complete. E. Thomas Hall, Editor.

4 SkillsUSA Champions Winter 2015 asktim

A Shining Standard Executive Director Tim Lawrence has known SkillsUSA as a student member, instructor, industry partner and state director. Got a question? He can help. & Celebrations are great,Q but how In this issue Aof SkillsUSA Champions, our Q:can a focus on SkillsUSA’s 50th annual competition guide provides great anniversary help me and my school? tips for doing well at every level. Even Tim: When people celebrate 50 years, they when our winners find obstacles in their call it a golden anniversary. Throughout way, striving to succeed helps them set a time, gold has been a symbol of optimism gold standard for themselves. There’s the and security. A gold standard is considered story of one student who, despite switch- the best, most reliable or most prestigious. ing careers, ultimately earned a national Such standards have helped propel gold medal and a new Corvette for his SkillsUSA to success over its five decades. school. You’ll also read about the national We are known in the halls of Congress, in TeamWorks champions — students who the White House and by the leaders of our lived up to 100 miles apart but found ways nation’s largest and most powerful corpo- to join together and become the best. rations. As with the national champion- While visionary, our founding group ships, your local or regional SkillsUSA of 200 educators and students in 1965 competitions can help draw attention to probably never imagined SkillsUSA would the important work you are doing. expand to more than 300,000 annual Get your chapter’s public relations members. We’ve touched lives around the committee involved early. Once dates are world, and our impact continues to grow. on the calendar, invite parents, the public This 50th anniversary reminds me that and local news media to come and view most great things in life come after years the competitions. When preparing a news of work. There’s an old Japanese proverb release about your local events, your PR that sums up success beautifully: “Fall committee can highlight the 50th anni- down seven times, get up eight.” Go for versary of the organization. We have lots the gold standard in your personal life as of resources online at our newly expanded well as in your education. Stand up one www.skillsusa.org. We’d love to see your more time than you fall down, and you 50th anniversary celebrations, so send us will be a winner. • your stories and photos. The gold medal is the top honor in our Got questions about SkillsUSA or other topics? SkillsUSA Championships, and it has Email [email protected] or send a letter to lured many a student to work harder than the address on the facing page. Put “Ask Tim” ever before in pursuit of winning one. in the subject line or mail address.

Winter 2015 SkillsUSA Champions 5 what’snew

Making SkillsUSA’s Challenging the Urge to Serve

killsUSA turns 50 this May (a fact you should know by now). S Many wonderful things will be celebrated on that day, including Voice Heard SkillsUSA’s ongoing legacy of support- ing healthy and vibrant communities through direct community service. The SkillsUSA Alumni and Friends Internationally Association created the SkillsUSA 50K uring an extraordinary 10-day template the Kazakhs could learn from. Challenge to help make that celebration speaking tour in Kazakhstan, the “The agenda was packed every day,” even more special. The goal of the chal- Dninth-largest country in the world, Execu- says Lawrence. “I was in every region lenge is to track 50,000 hours of service tive Director Tim Lawrence brought and visited 14 of the 80 colleges where from now through June 26 to help SkillsUSA’s model of career and technical vocational programs are taught. It was underscore SkillsUSA’s commitment to education to a nation eager to build one all a great opportunity to pursue our goal helping others. its own. of making SkillsUSA an internationally To learn more about the challenge, Kazakhstan is working to modern- recognized leader in workforce education register and log your own hours, visit: ize its vocational education system, and and employment readiness.” For more, www.SkillsUSAService.org. • SkillsUSA was specifically chosen by the visit: www.skillsusa.org/executive-directors- U.S. Department of State as an American report-november-1-2014/. •

Lawrence (right) accepts a gift of traditional Kazakh garb during a meeting with one of the many college directors he visited over the course of his whirlwind speaking tour of Kazakhstan.

6 SkillsUSA Champions Winter 2015 what’snew

FALL INSTITUTE RAISES THE BAR FOR LEADERSHIP Designing a 50-year Celebration Each one of SkillsUSA’s national conferences f you want the latest piece of evidence that SkillsUSA is still in the is special, but this year’s will be even more so. Imidst of a heavy growth spurt, look no Why? For one, we’ll be celebrating the organiza- further than the recent Washington Leadership Training Institute. The tion’s 50th birthday (like we said on the previous 2014 WLTI was easily the biggest in page, a fact you should know by now). For two, history, with 396 attendees represent- ing 30 states and . we’ll be back in Louisville, Ky., for the first time At WLTI, held in September each since 1993. An extra special conference demands year, SkillsUSA student leaders and advisors come together in the nation’s an extra special pin and T-shirt design, and capital for a week of intensive leader- SkillsUSA just happens to have a handy competi- ship and advocacy training. Other activities include a visit to SkillsUSA’s tion to determine the best for each. It’s open to headquarters, tours of area landmarks all dues-paying members, and all entries must and museums, presentations from guest speakers and more. be received by Feb. 1. For full details, visit: www. The highlight of the week comes skillsusa.org/competitions/pin-design-contest/. • when students make face-to-face visits with their state representatives on Capitol Hill to lobby for SkillsUSA. This year, student delegations met in the offices of 32 senators, 90 represen- tatives and one resident commissioner. elebrating 50 years of SkillsUSA The 123 total visits were the most in A casual way doesn’t just mean remembering the the conference’s history. Cpast; it also means taking charge of the For more, visit: www.skillsusa.org/ to formally show future. Current SkillsUSA members can events-training/washington-leadership- be the first in history to own the brand- training-institute/. • SkillsUSA pride new “Proud to Work, Proud to Wear” official black jacket from Carhartt. It’s one-of-a-kind, versatile for year- round wear, made in the USA and can be personally embroidered just for you.

Photo: Craig E. Moore Now don’t be confused; the black jacket is not replacing the official red blazer, which is the ultimate symbol of SkillsUSA membership. It is, however, replacing the red windbreaker, which will be retired from Soldiers prepare to lay a wreath SkillsUSA’s clothing line but will continue presented by SkillsUSA on the Tomb to be recognized as official attire. of the Unknowns at Arlington Reserve your black jacket today at: www. National Cemetery. skillsusa.org/skillsusa-black-jacket/. •

Winter 2015 SkillsUSA Champions 7 INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHAMPIONSHIPS

To celebrate the Read the rules. That sort of seems obvious, but you might be surprised to find 50th anniversary of out how many people really don’t take the time to both read and understand the 1rules of their contest. Each year, when the staff of SkillsUSA Champions asks our SkillsUSA’s founding, technical committee chairs what it takes to win, that’s the single most frequent response. There are rule changes in many of the contests, too. The 2015-2016 SkillsUSA Cham- we’ve collected the pionships Technical Standards was just published this fall. top 50 tips from the According to Dave Worden, director of the SkillsUSA Championships, every compet- itor should have the latest version of the technical standards to compete effectively in his technical experts or her contest. behind the national “There have been changes to 50 percent of the contests in the new technical standards manual. Some of them are minor and some are extensive, but a competitor needs the championships. latest manual to be competitive,” Worden says. What’s changed in You can purchase the technical standards either as a CD-ROM or in the traditional book format. The CD version also includes a second disc with many of the projects from the rules? What’s the the 2014 national competition. key to winning? Don’t need every contest? You can purchase the rules, and in many cases last year’s project, as a Contest Single. See SkillsUSA’s online store for specifics of how to order: The responses, as www.skillsusa.org/store/. they say, are golden. Regarding rules, it’s important to read prior to competition the updates located at: www.skillsusa.org/competitions/skillsusa-championships/contest-updates/. Bookmark this Web page and check in regularly. By Craig E. Moore Several competition updates have already been posted for 2015. These will continue through the end of May.

8 SkillsUSA Champions Winter 2015 Contest eligibility has been expanded Contestants must provide a copy to include the Project Lead the Way of certification at the orientation 6program. 16meeting. SCOTT WATSON, HUNTER HIGH SCHOOL, UTAH HAAGAR (FIRST AID/CPR) (PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING/TECHNOLOGY) Practice the national contest The key advice is the same every year: 17 projects over and over again. 7 Know the physics of how the item BRYAN LIGHT, BRICK INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (MASONRY) works and have a great presentation on it. WATSON (PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING/TECHNOLOGY) Please use the same judging criteria that is used at the nationals Know basic circuitry and EMT 18to grade your work. conduit bending, and practice taking LIGHT (MASONRY) 8verbal instructions. GREG RACHAL, POPS ELECTRIC LLC If you do not have copies of the (ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION WIRING) 19 projects and criteria, you are welcome to email the chairman of the An eye for detail is a must. national Masonry technical committee at 9 RACHAL (ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION WIRING) [email protected]. LIGHT (MASONRY) Come prepared with the proper 10 test equipment (Oscope and multi- As far as technical standards meter) and soldering tools. 20 are concerned, there were no KEVIN GULLIVER, NIDA CORP. (ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY) real changes for this manual. We have, however, redesigned the scoring sheets Practice troubleshooting. for the 2015 competition. GULLIVER (ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY) ROBERT WITTE, NAVAJO TECHNICAL COLLEGE 11 (RESTAURANT SERVICE) We have a new name. We are now Information Technology Services Use the book reference to be better 12(formerly Computer Maintenance Tech- prepared for what the updates nology). 21might bring. CHRIS SESSA, CARDIOVASCULAR CONSULTANTS WITTE (RESTAURANT SERVICE) (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES) Web news articles are now In Graphic Communications, there A larger emphasis has been placed 22 accepted under the new guidelines. will be more focus on digital press 13 on networking and security. These Every contestant (one from the team) will 2output. Offset press will still be a part of parallels are present already in curriculum be interviewed this year. the contest but in a different scale. but not covered in the classroom to the BILL MANN, FLORIDA (OUTSTANDING CHAPTER) KIP JARRETT, HEIDELBERG USA (GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS) depth that is required. SESSA (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES) Every contestant will be inter- Electronic prepress and digital 23 viewed this year. Select a good 3 workflow (preflight) will be merged Be prepared to follow directions. interviewer to represent the team. into one contest area versus two contest 14 Be willing to work with something MANN (OUTSTANDING CHAPTER) areas, creating a true digital workflow. you have not seen before. That is the JARRETT (GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS) nature of this industry. Advisors should SESSA (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 24 read and help Learn to pronounce words correctly! SERVICES) students to understand 4 For example, “our” versus “are.” the instructions. LISA ROMEISER, EASTERN MONROE CAREER CENTER, NEW YORK In First Aid/ MANN (OUTSTANDING (OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES) 15 CPR, contes- CHAPTER) tants may wear Work safely and follow the proce- leather or canvas Do not be 5 dures. The information needed to white shoes. 25 nervous. complete the station is available at each GLENN HAAGAR, BOB MIKELL, CARRIER CORP. station. IN-HOUSE PC SERVICES LLC (HEATING, VENTILATION, (FIRST AID/CPR) AIR CONDITIONING AND CHAD ESTLE, TRAVEL CENTERS OF AMERICA REFRIGERATION) (DIESEL EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY) Photos: Lloyd Wolf

Winter 2015 SkillsUSA Champions 9 Medical Assisting competitors Chapter Display changes are online Make sure the bulletin board uses 26 should be prepared to talk to the 31 at: http://tinyurl.com/k6vbdds. 36 interchangeable pieces. While we patient, even if it is a manikin. Patient SCOTT (CHAPTER DISPLAY) applaud the use of interactive items such education is stressed. as a tear-off calendar when the board is DIANA KENDRICK, SOUTHERN CRESCENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE The 2015-16 technical standards in use, it’s recommended to create a static (MEDICAL ASSISTING) 32 now allow the use of any wireless interchangeable piece for the contest, camera to be mounted on the robot. The explaining to judges how the piece is used. Practice and be old standards restricted the camera to the GAY KETCHUM, GORDON COOPER TECHNOLOGY CENTER 27 prepared for sterile 900 MHz SecurityMan IR camera and (PROMOTIONAL BULLETIN BOARD) technique. If you break it, receiver. state the break and what you ALAN KIRBY, PITSCO EDUCATION We are providing more equipment would do to fix it. (ROBOTICS: URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE) 37 and have added spot welding in KENDRICK (MEDICAL ASSISTING) the welding phase of the competition. Polished, organized and complete DARRELL ANDREWS, STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES Treat the contest as if it were 33 engineering notebooks are key to (COLLISION REPAIR TECHNOLOGY) 28 a real-life situation. Each performing well in this competition. component is something you may have KIRBY (ROBOTICS: URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE) Practice your trade. If there are already encountered in your practicum. 38 things you are unsure of or do not KENDRICK (MEDICAL ASSISTING) In the past, we’ve always chosen understand, ask your instructor to help 34 between a portrait or commercial clarify what you don’t understand. Do Be sure to address the theme. product shot. In 2015, we plan to do both. your own research on the process to get a 29 JOHN SCOTT, (CHAPTER DISPLAY) BILL CHENAILLE, ACADEMY FOR MEDIA PRODUCTION better understanding. (PHOTOGRAPHY) ANDREWS (COLLISION REPAIR TECHNOLOGY) Design and construct chapter 30 displays that involve a number Be sure you have practiced and are Always be mindful of your safety of students from different occupational/ 35 able to read the drawings and 39 practices. They are very important academic programs. details for the contest. and judged throughout the competition. SCOTT (CHAPTER DISPLAY) KENT GILCHRIST, FREMONT INTERIORS (CABINETMAKING) ANDREWS (COLLISION REPAIR TECHNOLOGY)

FASTFAST TRACK:TRACK: SUCCESSSUCCESS

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Johnson & Wales University admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin, among other categories. admissions.jwu.edu/apply The Archi- The contestants Work safely, work as quickly as 40 tectural 44 will find errors 47 possible, and double-check your Photo: Lloyd Wolf Drafting contest in WAN and LAN work. seeks problem- networks, do an ISP JOHN MASARICK, INDEPENDENT ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR solving abilities, configuration using (INDUSTRIAL MOTOR CONTROL) not just knowing routers and switches, talk how to use the a technician through an Everyone be on time for the software. error they are having on 48 contestant meeting. Make sure THOMAS BENDORF, their network, and take an you have all members present. When LMH ARCHITECTURE LLC online, certification-type test. interviewed, all three take part. (ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING) BOB SCHOENHERR, CISCO NETWORKING CARL CREASMAN, CREASMAN CONSULTING (INTERNETWORKING) (CAREER PATHWAYS SHOWCASE) Audio level is the most important 41 thing. Sound quality and target The national contest is based on Prepare for your presentation, and audience are a close second. 45 the most current CCNA certifica- 49 make sure you use what you have PAUL CHIACCHIERINI, ACADEMY FOR MEDIA PRODUCTION tion. There are now eight CCNA certifica- learned in school. Reading the drawings (AUDIO/RADIO PRODUCTION) tions of which the contestant needs to correctly is critical. have a base knowledge, all the way from JIM BOHN, BOSCH TOOL CORP. (TEAMWORKS) Where industry standards have the data center to the AP on a smart- 42 been updated, so too have our phone. Follow the Telecommunications Cabling standards. SCHOENHERR (INTERNETWORKING) 50 instructions. TERESA MAHER, ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION (Worth repeating!) INTERNATIONAL (TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLING) Always check with your instructor FLOYD MCWILLIAMS, AMERICAN to see what changes have occurred DESIGN DRAFTING ASSOCIATION 46 (TECHNICAL DRAFTING) Watch for more fiber optics, in CCNA and Microsoft Server configu- 43 Ethernet-related standards and rations. Use this link for CCNA: http:// Visit: http://tinyurl.com/ National Electrical Code changes. tinyurl.com/cq7xd6n Insiders2015 for more tips MAHER (TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLING) SCHOENHERR (INTERNETWORKING) from the contest experts. •

The last graduation cap they’ll ever need.

Give your students the advantage by introducing the same learning series our John Deere technicians use in their Ɵrst year on the job. John Deere Publishing offers Ɵve comprehensive series of educational curricula covering agribusiness management practices, agricultural machinery operation, and equipment maintenance. Written in simple language instruction with detailed and easy-to- follow illustrations, these books give students clear demonstrations for greater understanding and retention. Our textbooks will help students to think and analyze, enabling them to become better technicians or machine operators of large and small equipment. For more information visit us at www.JohnDeere.com/publications. In 2015, SkillsUSA will mark its 50th anniversary. We asked the technical experts how their indus- tries have changed most over the past 50 years — and what their SkillsUSA competition might be covering 50 years from now. (See more online at: http://tinyurl.com/Insiders2015)

GRAPHIC The end of letterpress and the removal of design ELECTRONICS Electronics is no longer a specialty area but COMMUNICATIONS pasteups, cameras and stripping, and the addi- TECHNOLOGY an integrated part of all current technology. MIKE STINNETT tion of computers, digital presses, cell phones, KEVIN GULLIVER Troubleshooting will be less to the component Web design and multimedia. level and more from a systems-level perspective.

DIESEL EQUIPMENT More electronics than ever, new fuels and MEDICAL ASSISTING The office nurse (once hired off the street) TECHNOLOGY exhaust after-treatment. In the next 50, it will be DIANA KENDRICK has been replaced by an educated medical JEFFERY BRYSON alternative fuels and hybrids. Diesel equipment is assistant, versatile in specimen collection, lab AND CHAD ESTLE becoming as electronically driven as automotive. testing, medication administration and ECG.

PRINCIPLES OF Chalkboards were replaced 15 years ago by URBAN SEARCH Robotics has made rapid advances in the last ENGINEERING/ whiteboards, and these were recently replaced AND RESCUE few years. In another 50 years, I foresee the TECHNOLOGY by Smart-board/LCD projection equipment. The ALAN KIRBY competition incorporating underwater as well SCOTT WATSON technology trend has just begun in education. as flying robotics.

ELECTRICAL The electrical industry has evolved from a screw- PHOTOGRAPHY With digital technology, many now do their pro- CONSTRUCTION driver, hammer and wire cutters to using laptop BILL CHENAILLE cessing in house. Expect the continued merging WIRING computers in the field that program lighting and of photography and video technology, requiring GREG RACHAL power systems. professionals to be multimedia specialists.

HEATING, VENTILATION, Our industry is much more electronic. Refriger- COLLISION REPAIR Vehicles have been completely redesigned with AIR CONDITIONING ants have changed greatly and will be chang- TECHNOLOGY different types of metals, composite materials AND REFRIGERATION ing even more. We may not even be using DARRELL ANDREWS and components. We may shift toward other BOB MIKELL refrigerants as we know them in the future. metals as vehicles become safer and lighter.

INFORMATION Our industry shifts in six-month to yearly cycles. TELECOMMUNICATIONS Communications! In 1965, there were no mobile TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Life cycles of technology have become increas- CABLING phones, no smart phones, no Internet, no email CHRIS SESSA ingly shorter. Work with mobile devices or tablets TERESA MAHER and no social media. In 50 years, our smart homes should be expected. will communicate with us directly. •

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Refer to the SkillsUSA state and national technical standards for guidelines on appropriate competition attire.

SkillsUSA Winter HP Ad alt.indd 1 10/16/14 3:02 PM 12 SkillsUSA Champions Winter 2015 R ‘BACK TRACK’ ON my heart and mind that Iwould.” that mind and heart my in down deep Iknew “but room,” he says, class the in back get me ever to expect didn’t “They acane. only with around he gets today he’d again, walk never told once Gortney doctors Although technology. high-performance studying he’s where now Ohio, Northwestern of University the to go him helping ships, scholar brought many success Such on. looking proudly dad his with ships, Champion SkillsUSA the in competed 2014, In student class. the the in enrolling Lane son his was incentive extra An fall. next the time workwent to full back He there. aweek days four spending was year, Gortney school end of that By the mentor.” that be to classroom the in we have opportunity the and SkillsUSA don’tof them amentor, have Ilook at and people’s many young “So lives,” he says. these in adifference making classroom the me for in not be to hard was “It program. technology power cycle/outdoor motor his for teacher substitute the pick helped even and aweek one day in came Center, he Career Area (Ind.) at Elkhart started classes fall after But soon months. over for two hospital the in was Gortney liver, and spleen alacerated and lungs, punctured two injury, cord plete spinal incom an 12 vertebrae, broken With air.”the we flew about through 130 feet end and over end, rolled then and bounced at aboutsolid 135 hour. car The an miles up end locked rear “A the and broke, gear four,” to wheels two he remembers. from down back car the transitioning was and run apicture-perfect made just had “I thewheeliewagon.com (visit: wheels rear its on runs car The happened. accident the when exhibition aquarter-mile in wheelstander his racing was Gortney fall. next the classroom the into back him drove 2012 other but the accident, aJune in back and neck his led breaking to pursuit That racing. drag is passion other His 10 past years. of the nine pionships competing at the national cham national at the competing students his with SkillsUSA, and alove teaching for has Gortney yan • - ). ). - - - - -

Photo: Lloyd Wolf with his son at his side. his passion for teaching, keep him from pursuing racing accident couldn’t horrific a envelope.” Even enjoys “pushing the achiever, Ryan Gortney A self-described over B y E. T homas - h all A career change and hard work lead the way to a national medal By Ann P. Schreiber To better prepare for his new career, eal Foster says if you’re willing to Foster enrolled at Lakes Region Com- Nput in the work, you can accom- munity College in Laconia, N.H. Later, he plish anything you want. After his first followed in the footsteps of teacher attempt in 2013, Foster’s work led to a Jamie Decato, who earned a silver college/postsecondary gold in Automo- medal at the 1996 SkillsUSA nationals. tive Service Technology at the SkillsUSA Foster’s advice for competitors? Championships. “Read the instructions” — something In 2009, Foster earned a bachelor’s he says technical committees keep degree in forestry at the University of repeating. And, be sure to pay atten- Vermont. Unable to find work in the tion during the contest orientation. field that would allow him to remain Before his event, Foster learned it would in his home state, he applied and is still involve using a Snap-on scanner. “I employed as a service technician at wasn’t familiar with this piece of equip- Neal Foster (right) brought home a gold Cody Chevrolet-Cadillac in Montpelier. ment, so I went to the Snap-on booth medal and, as an automotive training “I started out as a quick-lube guy. I at SkillsUSA TECHSPO. The Snap-on rep tool for instructor Jamie Decato, a new was changing oil. I was taking out the invited me to try out the scanner. Chevrolet Corvette from General Motors. trash. I was cleaning up around the “Don’t get too stressed out,” he also shop — doing that stuff,” Foster recalls. advises. “Stay calm. Take advantage of Students need to ask questions and “I didn’t really like it, because I would’ve all opportunities to connect. Have fun, take advantage of their teachers’ years rather been working on cars. [But] smile, laugh and talk to the judges.” of experience. “Keep asking questions you’ve got to do something to get your Foster adds that competitors should until you have the level of knowledge to foot in the door.” try to learn from every person they see. teach [that task] to someone else.” • Photo: Lloyd Wolf

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is a recognized leader in applied technology education, known for world-class teaching facilities, partnerships with industry, and a nearly 100% career placement rate. RETURNING TO CRIME SCENE: OSUIT’s degree programs are consistent with emerging market trends and prepare Investigation, that is. Once a CSI students to fill a continued demand for highly qualified industry professionals, including: contestant, Katelyn Hockett (left, Natural Gas Compression Information Assurance & Forensics Pipeline Integrity Technology Diesel & Heavy Equipment with sister and 2014 national Powerline Technology Automotive Technologies Power Plant Technology 3D Modeling & Animation competitor Kellie Jordan) now Cybersecurity helps train teams at Hermitage Find your future at OSUIT Technical Center in Richmond, Va. Instructor Lauren-Anne Sledzinski calls Hockett her key Apply today at osuit.edu or call 800.722.4471 to having a successful team. •

14 SkillsUSA Champions Winter 2015 goldstandard

Competing in TeamWorks Made Their Dream Work A variety of daunting obstacles would’ve led many to deem the goal of these two instructors unattainable. Soon, those who didn’t believe they could do it wouldn’t believe what they did.

uring the awards ceremony of the trained in carpentry), one of whom would 2014 SkillsUSA Championships, be mentored by a local mason. By 2012, Vermont’sD TeamWorks team waited nearly the first team was formed. three nervous hours to hear the results of But another hurdle loomed: the schools their performance. They thought they’d were more than 100 miles apart. While done well but didn’t dare to hope. After other teams practice together for an entire all, they weren’t like the other teams. year, this geographical snag prevented the “Once you don’t get bronze, you get a team from working together at all until little disappointed,” says Mike Bugbee, the state competition. That didn’t stop the an electrical instructor from St. Johns- 2012 team from placing 14th in the nation. bury Academy and one of the team’s two In 2013, a new team placed sixth. How? advisors. “Then silver comes and goes, “In [real world] construction, you’re and you know it’s over.” Not quite. bringing crews in from different areas to TeamWorks tests the carpentry, electri- build a building,” Bixby explains. “They cal, plumbing and masonry skills of a know their stuff and are professional four-member team. Bugbee had dreamed enough to work with other crews. We of assembling a team since he first saw the teach our kids to be able to work with competition in 1999, but his school didn’t whoever they find on a site.” teach plumbing, and no school in Vermont Bugbee adds, “Our students know what taught masonry. the expectations are in the real world. Years later, Robert Bosch Tool Corp. That’s what employers want, and that’s offered support for a TeamWorks event what we teach them.” Photo: Lloyd Wolf in Vermont, and the dream was reborn. Back at the 2014 awards ceremony, those Bugbee contacted John Bixby, electrical teaching techniques were validated as and plumbing instructor at Stafford Tech- the Vermont team — comprised of Billy By Tom Kercheval nical Center in Rutland. Friendly “arch Brinks, Jimmy Jefferson, Ryan Taylor and rivals,” the men had competed against Nick Hill (pictured at left) — won the gold. each other on the SkillsUSA state level for “Still in disbelief,” Bugbee laughs. years. They were about to become allies. “Total shock,” echoes Bixby. Bugbee would choose two of his “Very unexpected,” Hill continues. “It students who excelled in electrical and was fun to be able to come together and carpentry skills, and Bixby would provide connect as a team.” two of his best plumbing students (also “A true team,” Bugbee adds. •

Winter 2015 SkillsUSA Champions 15 toolbox

When Looking Ahead Means Looking Behind

killsUSA is doing something it’s never done before: enrolling middle-school Sstudents as official members. So, get ready — as high-school and college/post- secondary members, you may soon find yourselves pitching the organization to younger prospects. As a class, discuss what it is about SkillsUSA that excites you, that keeps you involved. What do you hope to get out of that involvement? Now, answer those same questions from the perspective of your younger, middle-school self. What would have interested you then? What are the differences between those two sets of answers? What kind of recruitment message do you think would work best for a younger student? Photo: Bobbi Peterson Learn more about SkillsUSA’s middle school program at: www.skillsusa.org/ programs/middle-school. Also, learn how The greatest gifts you can give your your class can mentor middle-school students with SkillsUSA’s “Student- children are the roots of responsibility and 2Student” program at: www.skillsusa.org/ the wings of independence. programs/mentoring-student2student. • — DEnis WaiTlEy

Find the photo, win a prize No, the picture on the left isn’t abstract art. It’s actually a distorted part of another photo in this issue. Find the original photo and send us the page number where it appears to win a SkillsUSA sport duffel bag (first prize) or travel mug (second prize). To enter, email your answer, name, address and phone number to: [email protected] (include “Photo Contest” in the subject line). Or, send to: SkillsUSA Photo Contest, 14001 SkillsUSA Way, Leesburg, VA 20176. One first- and one second-prize winner will be drawn at random from the correct entries. Entries must be received by Jan. 15. Congratulations to last issue’s winners: Shawn Alsager of Warner Robins, Ga., and Bentley Porterfield of Anniston, Ala.•

16 SkillsUSA Champions Winter 2015 spotlight

VETERANS Building smiles with Legos HONORED aving once stayed at the Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital in FOR SERVICE Bethany, Okla., Rebecca Heiderstadt didn’t hesitate when fellow student JenniferH Taylor asked her to help bring a fun activity to the center. Heider- killsUSA members at Thomas A. stadt had suffered an aneurysm at age 11 and spent time there relearning Edison Career and Technical how to walk and talk. Taylor thought up the weeklong Building Pals project, AcademyS in Elizabeth, N.J., held a in which one large jar was filled with Legos and patients guessed how many luncheon for 20 veterans from the New were in the jar. The closest guess won the large jar, and smaller jars were also Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in filled with Legos for Menlo Park. Culinary arts students each participant. Both prepared the meals and presented the Taylor and Heiderstadt, vetarans with certificates honoring them SkillsUSA members at

for their military service. Used with permission. Canadian Valley Tech- “The students who participated were nology Center’s El Reno proud of the success of their event,” says campus, presented their Penelope Hudeen, teacher and SkillsUSA project in the national advisor, who adds they’re working on Photo: Canadian Valley Technology Center. Community Action ways to improve the next luncheon. • competition. •

Used with permission. A showcase of champions SkillsUSA Massachusetts gold medalists Photo: Thomas Edison Career and Technical Academy. displayed their brass grandfather clock during

New Jersey students honor veterans. Dracut Old Home Day, the community’s

Bioterrorism drill largest event, where attendance tops 15,000. The Nashville, Tenn., Metro Public Health Department, with Tennessee Metal fabrication students from Greater State University and other agencies, Lowell Technical High School in Tyngsboro

Photo: Greater Lowell Technical High School. conducted a bioterrorism drill using Used with permission. McGavock High School as one of two built the clock for the 2014 state SkillsUSA staging areas. In conjunction with the drill, SkillsUSA members portrayed Championships. Health services students displayed their own project on “infected” patients who were instructed to go to simulated safe rooms. Later that sports-related concussions, which won gold at the state Career Pathways same week, students adopted a zombie Showcase competition and placed fourth at nationals. All the medalists theme to represent the contagion. See their Community Service contest Prezi shared the research behind their projects and how they became winners. They presentation and YouTube video at: www. prezi.com/bu8lajnr_vwj/untitled-prezi/. • also offered free face-painting for children. • image

killsUSA Champions features our members’ photography. We’re looking for images of SkillsUSA chapters in action, or ones that show individual members’ concentration or perseverance. For details, email [email protected] (put “Image Photo” in the subject Sheader) or write SkillsUSA Champions, 14001 SkillsUSA Way, Leesburg, VA 20176. The photographer’s chapter is awarded $150. •

Eric Pellizzari judges the culinary event at the New York state SkillsUSA Championships. Photog- raphy student Alexandra Pasquale of Eastern Monroe Career Center in Fairport, N.Y., captured his concentration. Her SkillsUSA advisor is Sulyn Bennett-Hennessey. Photo: Alexandra Pasquale

I think SkillsUSA pushes the advisor as SkillsUSA gives people like me, in the trades, some- much as it pushes the where to shine. We keep this country moving, but students to strive to we don’t always get the recognition we deserve. be the best. SkillsUSA gives us that time in the spotlight. Ryan Gortney, instructor, Neal Foster of Montpelier, Vt., national gold Elkhart (Ind.) Area medalist in Automotive Service Technology Career Center

18 SkillsUSA Champions Winter 2015 WITH 50 SOLID YEARS BEHIND US, SUPPORT OUR AMBITIOUS STEPS FORWARD.

urchase your own custom-engraved P paver for the walkway of SkillsUSA’s National Leadership Center. Commemorate your SkillsUSA experience or honor a cherished mentor and become part of SkillsUSA forever. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary of empowering our members to become world-class workers, leaders SkillsUSA’s National Leadership Center and responsible American citizens, here’s your chance to help us build for the future, brick by brick. is located in Leesburg, Virginia, approximately 50 miles northwest of our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Choose the brick-pricing category that best showcases e building houses the SkillsUSA sta and historical your commitment to SkillsUSA: displays. Along with welcoming inuential visitors such Corporations / State Associations $500 as industry executives, manufacturers and VIPs from Individual Adult $100 Individual Student $50 education and government, it has meeting space for student, teacher and business conferences. To purchase your paver and to learn more about this perpetual campaign, please visit: www.skillsusa.org/store/pavers

Paver Campaign Partner For more information, please contact Christen Battaglia at [email protected] or call 703-737-0627. Ue

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