Saint Paul College had an outstanding weekend as our students excelled at the Minnesota SkillsUSA Conference Championships, held on April 1-3, 2016. Faculty advisors attended the conference in support of each participant, with a total of 38 students registered to compete in twelve different categories:
- Cabinetmaking
- Sheet Metal
- Electrical
- Welding
- Diesel/Truck Technician
- Automotive Service Technician
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
- Nail Care
- CNC/Machine Tool
- Various Leadership Contests.
The College is very proud of all of the students who competed at this level, along with their achievements, professionalism, and leadership. Ten of our students (gold medalists) have qualified for the SkillsUSA National Championships, which will be held June 20-24, 2016 in Louisville, KY. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. This national nonprofit organization serves students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations, including health occupations.
Saint Paul College had seventeen medalists for this year's competitions: 10 gold, 6 silver, and 1 Bronze. Congratulations to the following Saint Paul College students who received first, second, or third place medals at the Minnesota State SkillsUSA 2016 competition:
Esthetics
Natalie Bathen — 1st Place
Nkauj Vang — 2nd Place
Advisor: Peg Flicek
Cosmetology
Ashley Moua — 1st Place
Rachel Oyen — 2nd Place
Advisor: Marcie Smith-Fields
Nail Care
Amanda Chang — 2nd Place
Precision Machining
Ben Johnson — 1st Place
James Otero — 2nd Place
Advisor: Garret Byrne
Sheet Metal
Chad Price — 1st place
Stephanie Kunkel — 2nd Place
Will Cole — 3rd Place
Advisor: Donaven Chase
Cabinetmaking
Jodi Larson — 2nd Place:
Advisor: Tom Hillstead
Related Technical Math
Jeffrey Winsor — 1st Place
Advisor: Keith Setley
Quiz Bowl
Stephanie Kunkel, Antonio Warner, Jeffrey Winsor, Joe Eng, Yuepheng Yang — 1st Place
Advisors: Keith Setley & Tom Hillstead
Saint Paul College President, Rassoul Dastmozd says he is grateful for the dedication and commitment of the SkillsUSA advisors, Tom Hillstead and Keith Setley, and our faculty members whose students competed in the SkillsUSA this year. “Without the support and commitment of these individuals, our academic deans, and our staff in Student Life, our students would not be able to compete at such a high level at these events. Please join me in congratulating our students who competed in these competitions and represented Saint Paul College so well!”