RHODE ISLAND CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS WIN BIG AS 40 STUDENTS FINISH TOP TEN IN THE NATION AT THE SkillsUSA NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND SKILLS CONFERENCE.

Nationally, more than 6,800 students competed in 108 occupational, leadership and skill competition areas. 87 Rhode Island CTE students participated in the SkillsUSA Championships held on June 24th through the 29th. SkillsUSA programs help to establish industry standards for job skill training in the classroom. These industry driven competitive events are modeled after the Olympics where the top three individuals/teams receive gold, silver, or bronze medals.

The following 40 Rhode Island students placed in the TOP TEN in the country after competing in the SkillsUSA National Championships.

NATIONAL GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
Event: Community Service (Team of 3)
Iveniss Jijon – Providence Career and Technical Academy
Emily Khang – Providence Career and Technical Academy
Brianna Petty – Providence Career and Technical Academy

NATIONAL SILVER MEDAL WINNERS
Event: Crime Scene Investigation (Team of 3)
Daniel LaBelle – CharihoTECH
Zachary Richard – CharihoTECH
Sloan Smith – CharihoTECH

Event: Robotics and Automation Technology (Team of 2)
Nerses Donoyan – Cranston Area Career and Technical Center
Benjamin Kopsick – Cranston Area Career and Technical Center

Event: Prepared Speech
Shaina Flanagan – Johnson and Wales University

Event: Restaurant Service
Drew DuBoff – Johnson and Wales University

Event: Architectural Drafting
Michael Webb – New England Institute of Technology

Event: Crime Scene Investigation (Team of 3)
Dayna Koukas – New England Institute of Technology
Amber Robertson – New England Institute of Technology
Marissa Sposato – New England Institute of Technology

Event: Technical Computer Applications
Elizabeth Taylor – Newport Area Career and Technical Center

NATIONAL BRONZE MEDAL WINNERS
Event: Graphic Communications
Kylie Normandin  – William M. Davies, Jr. Career and Technical High School

Event: Customer Service
Katelyn Roy – Johnson and Wales University

FOURTH PLACE
Event: Early Childhood Education
Hannah Torres – Cranston Area Career and Technical Center

Event: Industrial Motor Controls
Joseph James – IBEW Local #99 Apprenticeship Program

FIFTH PLACE
Event: Action Skills
Ian Sanchez – Cranston Area Career and Technical Center

Event: Information Services Technology
Stephen Lemme – Cranston Area Career and Technical Center

SIXTH PLACE
Event: Criminal Justice
Lexus Falcone – CharihoTECH

Event: Commercial Baking
Giovanna Aponte – Johnson and Wales University

Event: Job Skills Demonstration “A”
Genesis Rosario – Johnson and Wales University

Event: Promotional Bulletin Board (Team of 3)
Jacob Abbruzzi – Johnson and Wales University
Wilfredo Ortiz – Johnson and Wales University
Josiah Sanders – Johnson and Wales University

Event: Basic Health Care Skills
Marieliz Falu – William M. Davies, Jr. Career and Technical High School

Event: CNC Milling Specialist
Johnathan Woolford – William M. Davies, Jr. Career and Technical High School

EIGHTH PLACE
Event: Employment Application Process
Melissa Abreu – Providence Career and Technical Academy

Event: Information Services Technology
Benjamin Lind – Johnson and Wales University

Event: Marine Services Technology
Joseph DeRensis – Warwick Area Career and Technical Center

NINTH PLACE
Event: Electrical Construction Wiring
Ariel Acosta – IBEW Local #99 Apprenticeship Program

Event: Advertising Design
Karlisle Wilbur – Johnson and Wales University

Event: Culinary Arts
Sara Kephart – Johnson and Wales University

Event: Pin Design
Clarissa Briggs – Warwick Area Career and Technical Center

Event: Nail Care
Mayreli Vargas – Providence Career and Technical Academy

TENTH PLACE
Event: Automotive Refinishing Technology
Elian Nunez – William M. Davies Jr., Career and Technical High School

Event: Robotics: Urban Search and Rescue
Benjamin Jackvony – Cranston Area Career and Technical Center
Daniel Marella – Cranston Area Career and Technical Center

TOP TEN TOTALS BY SCHOOL 
CharihoTECH: 4
Cranston Area Career and Technical Center: 7
IBEW Local #99 Apprenticeship Program: 2
Johnson and Wales University: 11
New England Tech: 4
Newport Area Career and Technical Center: 1
Providence Career and Technical Academy: 5
Warwick Area Career and Technical Center: 2
W.M. Davies, Jr., Career and Technical High School: 4