FAIRMONT – Fred W. Eberle Technical Center students competed in the SkillsUSA State Conference the last weekend in March with their eyes on the prize.
The 2022 West Virginia SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference was held Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26 at Fairmont State University in Fairmont. Over 20 FETC students attended the state conference.
Robert Lowther, an electrical technology instructor at FETC, expressed that SkillsUSA is a student-youth organization that is student-led, student-driven and is comparable to popular youth organizations like Future Farmers of America (FFA) or 4H — however, SkillsUSA is trades-focused.
In preparation for the state conference in March, each student was expected to complete a test based on real-world, industry knowledge. At the state conference, students completed a series of hands-on tasks for their respective fields of trade.
“We are very proud of all of our contestants and of course our winners – everyone who placed at the state contest,” said Rebecca Bowers-Call, Director of FETC. “The students who win or place at the national level, some can earn very valuable prizes and scholarships to go on [further] in their chosen field; job opportunities [are available] as well.”
The 2022 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference will be held June 20 to June 24 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Both Call and Lowther suggest that state winners continue to stay focused, practice and enjoy the experience at the upcoming national conference – make new friends, introduce yourself to industry leaders and soak in every moment of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Here is the full list of FETC students who brought home a prize at the 2022 West Virginia SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference:
Gold Medal Winners
- Amanda Chidester – Cosmetology (post-secondary)
- Jacob Bailey (B-UHS) – Diesel Equipment Technology (secondary)
- Lucas Queen (LCHS) – Electrical Construction Wiring (secondary)
- Bryce Manolidis – Electrical Construction Wiring (post-secondary)
- Nate Perry (B-UHS) – Industrial Motor Control (secondary)
- Timothy Wood – Welding (post-secondary)
- Jonathan Davisson, Gretel Schroeder, Harley Davis (team)- Welding Fabrication (post-secondary)
Silver Medal Winners
- Lauren Carpenter, Emmalee Cottrell, Zoie Parmer (LCHS, team) – Chapter Display (secondary)
- Chloe Carpenter (PBHS) – Cosmetology (secondary)
- Emily Felton (LCHS) – Medical Assisting (secondary)
Bronze Medal Winners
- Robert Lambert (LCHS) – Carpentry (secondary)
- Madison Brown (B-UHS) – Health Occupations Professional Portfolio (secondary)
- Hannah Watson (LCHS) – Medical Terminology (secondary)
- Megan Perry (LCHS) – Nurse Assisting (secondary)
Mark your calendars as FETC will host a Motorcycle Memorial Ride & Car Show in memory of Bill Proudfoot, a former director of FETC and former West Virginia delegate, on June 11, 2022. The event will benefit the financial requirements for state winners to go onto the national conference. Donations will also be accepted for students at a later date.
Follow Fred W. Eberle Technical Center on Facebook to follow along with the 2022 SkillsUSA Championship participants, local job opportunities, classroom projects and more. Visit the FETC campus at 208 Morton Avenue in Buckhannon. For more details on upcoming student application requirements and deadlines, call FETC at 304-472-1259 or visit their website.
