Local students place in SkillsUSA competition, advance to state

ASHEBORO — Four local high school students placed at the SkillsUSA North Carolina Southwest Regional Rally at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury on Feb. 15, 2019, and advanced to the state conference.

Randolph Early College High School’s Amanda Frances Martin placed first in Automotive Tool ID, while John Black and Jose Castro, both from Asheboro High School, took second and fourth, respectively, in Automotive Service Beginner High School. AHS’ Seth Knapp placed fifth in Automotive Service Technology High School.

“We have a great winning tradition started here at Randolph Community College’s Automotive Service and Technology Program,” Randolph Community College Automotive Systems Technology Department Head Don Ashley said. “Our students put their skills to the test during the competitions and were very successful. The students represented our school and community with pride.”

All four advanced to the SkillsUSA NC State Conference at the Greensboro Coliseum and Koury Convention Center. Over 2,700 students, instructors, industry members, and volunteers will be on hand for the largest showcase of Career and Technical Education in the state. Nearly 2,300 high school and postsecondary students will be competing in over 120 different skills and leadership contests. RCC students will join the four high schoolers at the competition in April.

Transportation costs and registration fees were paid through the RCC Foundation with funds provided by Richard Petty’s Garage. RCC Automotive Systems Technology Instructor Ronald Morris also was instrumental in the students’ and schools’ involvement with SkillsUSA.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure that America has a skilled workforce. The Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) is recognized as an integral part of the classroom by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE).