The club made TJ proud by representing at the annual Skills contest.
TJ’s Skills USA team from left: David Duchan, Melissa Duran, Cassie Kah, Ana Beiser, Brody Bills, Erich Deutsch, Van Diep, Yosua Hermawn, and John Touris. Photo provided by Jerry Esparza
Thomas Jefferson’s own Skills USA club placed well in the 48th annual Colorado State Skills Championship this past April, from Wednesday the 17th to Friday the 19th, at Red Rocks Community College. The competition united students from schools all over the state who put their various talents to the test against each other’s trained crafts.
For the whole day, the select Spartans were up against other highly talented individuals in the categories of 3D animation, photography, and website design (depending on their specialty). “There was definitely tough rivalry,” explained photographer Melissa Duran,who finished 2nd in the competition. “But I wasn’t too stressed because I felt prepared. I definitely learned from my mistakes though, and will be even more ready for the next season,” she stated. Each contestant had to complete a specific prompted, themed, and time-limited (7 hours) project.
Website design champions Erich Deutsch and David Duchan stole first place, with Ana Beiser and Cassie Kah close behind in second. “Making the site at Skills was awesome. We got to creatively design, engineer, and display our ability and prove we were the best in Colorado,” said Deutsch.
Duchan also contributed his own insight on the challenge. “It was a good contest,” Duchan said. “After a day full of hard work, the outcome was better than expected.”
Duran was also satisfied with the outcome of the face-off. “It was a lot of fun and very competitive, but was still interesting because I got to meet many new people. I can’t wait to compete next year, and hopefully go on to nationals,” she added optimistically.
3D group partners Yosua Hermawan and John Touris took 2nd place in the animation contest, and Brody Bills along with Van Diep won 3rd. “Skills USA was a great experience. It was really challenging, yet cool to see people from other schools. When they called our names, I was elated,” Bills grinned.
CCT Magnet teacher and sponsor of the student run organization Jerry Esparza was quite excited for the tournament as well. “One of the most significant challenges of competing is a matter of time constraints,” he clarified.
Award recipient Bills agreed, saying, “It was an intense competition. Everyone was working hard and did their best, but despite that it was an exciting time and I’m glad I went.”
Group supporter Esparza did not try to hide his excitement for their success. “The students took the competition pretty seriously, and really gave it their best. We took 13 of them out there [to the competition] and nine came back with awards, upholding last year’s standard,” he said, beaming with pride.
The Skills USA community’s sweat and tears have finally paid off. Any CCT Magnet students who would like to join the club are definitely welcome, and should talk to Esparza in room 102.
