Students Make A Statement
SkillsUSA Competition
As has been reported on this web site and in local news outlets, KACC students recently competed in, and in many events, won in the 2008 SkillsUSA Illinois State Competition, the "Superbowl" if you will, of Career and Technical Education. .
KACC's faculty and administration have been very supportive of the students and their quest to champion the competition. Quite a bit of hard work and effort on behalf of both the students and faculty go in to being prepared. As Kendra Hadden wrote, "SkillsUSA may only be a weekend a year, but it will keep benefiting you for the rest of your life."
Principal Hahs wanted to know first hand, what do the students think about their participation? Students were asked by Principal Hahs to write 3 to 5 sentences describing their experience.
The following are excerpts from the students' comments. As you read their comments (posted in random order), we're sure you will agree we have some really fantastic young men and women here at Kankakee Area Career Center. The effort put forth to compete in SkillsUSA is well worth the time and treasure.
Taylor Larson: By participating in SkillsUSA on the Entrepreneurship Team has not only increased my knowledge in the business world, but has opened my eyes to where SkillsUSA can take me. I've become great friends with my team members and have made countless memories with them. Going to Nationals is very exciting for me because our team has put so much into our project...winning State just wasn't enough!
Nick Brault: I want to say congratulations to all our finishers at skills...What I learned is that no matter what, Chief (Hubly) was always with me. I could always hear him telling me what to do...I also learned there are other names for equipment than what I knew. Last, I want to say I know the Chief would be proud of my top 10 finish at skills.
Cameron Smith: SkillsUSA, words that brought both excitement and worries...I soon realized that SkillsUSA was not only a competition, but an opportunity as well...a place to learn and have fun. I felt the heat during competition, but then everyone helped each other. I think everybody should go to SkillsUSA if offered the opportunity.
Jessica Loferski: SkillsUSA has been a life-shaping experience. I participated in both State and Nationals last year and learned so much...being a part of a team, leadership and life, how to write a business plan... meet deadlines...staying positive through all the moments when things get difficulty. If it wasn't for the Kankakee Area Career Center, more specifically, my teacher/mentor, Mrs. Zurek, the staff, teachers and advisors and my peers, I would not have had the change to see SkillsUSA and the opportunities it presents students in CTE schools. Thank you for opening these doors for me!
Kat Stacy: The time I spent at the skillsUSA state competition turned out to be more than I expected. The memories I gained will stay with me for a lifetime. Bringing home a gold medal in the Nurse's Aid division helped me realize what I truly am capable of. I'm glad I had this great opportunity to represent the Kankakee Area Career Center.
Lucas Fahey: To me, (SkillsUSA) was a competition and a good one at that, but it was even more, almost as if it was a lifestyle. It showed you the life of a businessman, using skills such as time management, preparation and just being overall efficient. I was blessed with the opportunity to go and I tried my hardest taking a 5th place and a 6th place...it became more of a lesson than a competition.
Kelly Brown: Going to SkillsUSA was one of the best experiences I've ever had. The people I met were awesome...the competition was intense, but my teammates helped me pull through without any doubts. My CSI team took 4th place and I'm really proud of the way we represented KACC. I am really looking forward to going back to SkillsUSA next year.
Jordan Wells: My experience at SkillsUSA was indescribable. I met new people, competed in the CSI competition. My group was 1 of 17 teams. Our team had only 3 weeks to prepare (decided late to enter) and the other teams we competed against had a year, some had two. The whole atmosphere was simply amazing. I definitely plan to compete next year and hopefully come away with a 1st place and a trip to Nationals!
Austin Bruno: The best part of skills, in my opinion, was the camaraderie. I made so many friends that I will have for a lifetime. I also enjoyed competing against kids my own age. The worst part of skills was probably not getting to eat one night because our competition meetings went too long.
Mitchell Nettleingham: Although this was my first and last with SkillsUSA, I had a great deal of fun. Skills was a blast. I met several new people from different schools as well as others from KACC. The best part was seeing the teachers dancing and having fun with the students. I think everyone should be a part of SkillsUSA because it builds character.
Ashley Petro: SkillsUSA was extremely different from what I imagined. It was a lot busier and there were a lot more people than I thought there would be. I had a lot of un and cannot wait to compete in Nationals. The best part was meeting new people.
Kory Schneider: The experience I had at skillsUSA was a fun and amazing time. Friday's festivities were fun and entertaining. I had fun and loved every little experience that was offered.
Colten Boswell: SkillsUSA was probably the best time of my life to date. Between competing and hanging out with my friends, it was just an amazing experience. the experience I got out of competition I will never forget. The only thing I wish that would of happened is that SkillsUSA was longer. I have learned so much from the experience and cannot wait until next year.
Billy Zielinski: Skills was fun. I made new friends and a ton of new memories. It was a great experience and I wish I could do it again.
Dan Shinn: I competed in computer maintenance in the State competition. In my opinion, it was quite hard, but also a lot of fun and the judges wre really good guys. The hotel was pretty nice, the rooms a bit small for four people, but money constraints are understandable. The Social was fun, especially the part where you get to pie a friend(hilarious) even my teacher got pied. Getting up at 5 every morning was tiring but all worth it. I wish I could go again next year.
Katelyn Lowman: The skills competition had a very big impact on me. It taught me you should never give up, no matter what the situation...if you only weigh about 100 pounds and you have to carry 175 pounds 50 feet, you can do it!
Matt "Elvis" Dasher: The entire SkillsUSA experience was highly enjoyable...SkillsUSA is a way for the students and teachers to fine tune their skills and discover their weak points. I recommend everyone who has the chance to go to Skills should attend in order to evaluate your own skill level.
Michael Lynch: My experience going to SkillsUSA may have been one of the best in my entire life. I had the privilege of meeting so many people. My competition was tough and I was very proud to have placed 5th along with others who got 2nd and 4th, and I can't wait to return next year and hope to see my way on to Nationals.
Christopher Vahl: I thought overall, the instructors were very knowledgeable...I expected it to be a real challenge and I knew it was not going to be easy...I wish they kept the keiser sled because that could have made the combat challenge a little longer. I had a great time down in Springfield going to see the State Capital and the fire fighting memorial site....I encourage everyone in my fire class who did not do it to go for it next year it helps you in the long run if you truly want to become a firefighter and see how it challenges you both mentally and emotionally.
Bennett Foster: When I got to Springfield, I didn't know what to expect...the competition was just amazing and even if you didn't do too well, thee were always your friends cheering you on. SkillsUSA was the highlight of my year and I seriously plan on doing it again next year.
Katherine Hester: Competing in both prepared and extemporaneous speech was very challenging and rewarding..I now I can speak with more confidence and be able to show...my full potential during presentations or just everyday routines....Running for State Officer has shown me I can do and become anything I set my mind too, even though I did not become a State Officer...I have the hard work and the smile to prove I did not walk away without giving my best in everything...for sure, I will be attending next year.
Mandy Ledoux: My experience at SkillsUSA was amazing. Being able to compete was a blast. I had two awesome partners...we ended up getting fourth place. Just being there and watching your friends compete...was probably the best part. This experience was one of the best so far and I can't wait to go back next year.
Kyle Workman: Competiting in the Computer Maintenance Technology competition at SkillsUSA was a great experience. The competition, though hard, was worth a lot to my experience and education. Not only did I have fun, I also learned many things in my field I did not know. If I could go to SkillsUSA again I would and I encourage anyone to try their hardest to make it to the competition and have fun while they are there.
Kendra Hadden: it wasn't what I expected..It was much more. I loved the fact that we could watch the other people competing. After I was done...my judge came up to me and told me what I did well and what I needed to improve on. This really meant a lot to me. This shows the people who work at Skills do now what they are doing and they do care.
Adam Jensen: SkillsUSA has become an integral art of my life that will always be near to me. Going to State Conference has been a life changing experience...getting to meet new people from all across the State and watching the skills that student have. I am proud to be part of SkillsUSA and will always campaign to help it grow. I hope every student will be given the chance to compete at SkillsUSA
Erich Lindemann: In my two years at KACC, I have gone to Skills..both times, I had the time of my life. The friendships I have made through attending skills will be everlasting. Those friends made outweigh the competition...I had more fun than I ever could have imagined.
Melissa Rodriguez: was such a great experience. I'm so thankful to have been able to go...I learned a lot from it....if you try hard, you will get where you want to be...and at the end; everything you do will pay off.
Victoria Penley: SkillsUSA was a great experience! I learned a lot by studying for Nursing Assistant. I got third place in my event. I was surprised to win because there were quite a few people competing. It was an exciting experience and I hope to go back next year, now knowing what to expect!
Jessica Fear: SkillsUSa was a wonderful experience for me. I had such a good time, not only did I compete and try my best, but made a lot of new friends...My skill area was nursing assistant and I learned a lot more going into this just because I studied so much. I honestly thought it was going t6o be a little more challenging and more strict. I definitely plan to go next year and do even better, hoping to place.
Josh Greenburg: I competed in the field of Computer Maintenance and Technology. It was my second year and I achieved 1st place in the regional section and 3rd place in State. I have had a lot of fun. I learned a lot from the competition. I was able to meet a lot of the other students whom I have not seen or talked to before. If I could go again next year, I would.
Ashley King: SkillsUSA has to be one of the greatest experiences I have had in my life. SkillsUSA did not only teach me to be a leader, but to go above and beyond. My first year at Skills, I went to State and placed 1st, and went to Nationals and placed 7th in Entrepreneurship. My senior year, I went and got two bronze medals in customer service and Job Interview. It was a great experience because I learned to try my hardest to succeed.
Congratulations to all KACC students who participated in SkillsUSA - Good luck to those going on to Kansas City, MO for National Competition! We'll keep you posted.
.
