By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
There’s nothing like a practical application for what students learn in a classroom.
That’s the mission statement of SkillsUSA – a program Union Grove Union High School students recently took part in.
SkillsUSA – a partnership between students, teachers and industry to put skilled into use from career and technical education – held its annual state competition at the Alliant Center in Madison April 29 and 30.
Four UG students took part, with Nate Eastman posting the top finish – taking second by making a wooden toolbox in eight hours.
After finishing third last year, Eastman missed winning a state title by just half a point.
“He was given eight hours to complete the task, start to finish, and he completed it almost perfectly,” said Lee Caminiti, one of Union Grove’s technical education teachers – who teaches the woods classes at the school.
Caminiti explained that students were given all the material and hardware for the project, as well as plans, but brought their own hand and power tools.
“SkillsUSA is an organization that has been around for 50 years,” Caminiti said. “This is their anniversary year, actually.
“It is an organization that promotes the soft and hard skills needed for industry today, whether it is public speaking or cabinetmaking,” he added.
If students win their state contest, they have a chance to compete at the national conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
Students are graded not just on how well they achieve the task, but also professionalism, verbal skills, attire, written tests, safety and cleanup.
Also competing at the state competition were Jake Veselik in carpentry, Jared Stangohr in welding and Joseph Donovan in welding sculpture.
Aaron Schrieber, the school’s metals instructor, made the trip along with Caminiti.
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