The 2008 Ohio SkillsUSA State Conference gathered nearly 2,500 members and advisors from career technical school programs throughout Ohio, including 31 members of the Career and Technology Education Centers (C-TEC) of Licking County SkillsUSA chapter. This event was held in Columbus, April 25 and 26.



Nearly 1,400 Ohio SkillsUSA members competed for the gold, silver and bronze medallions awarded to the top three finishers in each contest area.



Two C-TEC students finished in the top three in their competition field. Gavin Rigel (Licking Valley) was awarded a silver medal in cosmetology. Evan Williams (Lakewood) won the gold medal in automotive refinishing, and he will be traveling to Kansas City in June for the national competition.



In addition to winning the gold medal, Williams was presented with $500 in automotive tools, a $5,000 scholarship to Baran Institute of Technology, and a $23,700 full scholarship to WyoTech.



SkillsUSA provides opportunities to enhance student advancement in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. These characteristics directly support C-TEC’s mission to ensure student placement and success in the professional world.



For more information on C-TEC, log on to www.c-tec.edu.