Two of TJ’s finest CCTM students take third place in SkillsUSA competition.
Photo by Marina Miller
Senior Chuck May and Junior Alton Earle took third place in their events on April 13, 2011 at the 46th Annual SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Championship, which was a three day event that took place at Red Rocks Community College and included schools from all over the state.
Chuck May and his partner Alton Earle took third place in the 3D video portion of the championship. “It feels really good to take 3rd because I know I beat everyone but two people in the state of Colorado,” he said with a smile. The participants in this portion were given a prompt and had to make a 3D video based on the given prompt. “The prompt was fun to work with. We had to make the video based on a night security guard who had been working at the company for five years and seven years prior to that his wife passed away. He began reminiscing one night and it was up to us to decide where to go with that,” explains Chuck.
Earle expressed that he got a lot out of the experience, as well. “It’s a great experience since it’s not just TJ kids. They’re from all over the state, so it feels good to come in third place,” he said. “I like SkillsUSA because it gives me the chance to enter Nationals and compete for a scholarship.”
This state-wide competition was a great opportunity for students to show their skills and knowledge of computer technology. TJ CCTM teacher and sponsor of SkillsUSA, Jerry Esparza explains why this program is so beneficial to the school and the students involved. “SkillsUSA allows students to participate in leadership development. The program elects officers and plans and organizes events. The competition gives students a chance to test their skills against other students in the state that are competing in the same event. It gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge that they have learned throughout the school year.”
This year’s SkillsUSA group had 27 members, allowing TJ to be a part of a club that is connected and recognized nationally by professional organizations that look to these students for the future work force. May says he loves SkillsUSA: “It not only tests my skill,s but it’s also a great way to put myself out there.”
SkillsUSA is open to any CCTM students. The current events that are offered are 3D Visualization, Web Design, and Photography. Students must join as a member in the fall of each year. The fee to join SkillsUSA is only $5.00 to those students who are part of CCTM.
For more information, students can go to the SkillsUSA website: http://skillsusa.tjcctweb.com/.
Students can also link to the State SkillsUSA website: http://www.skillsusa.cccs.edu/
