Students Win at Nationals

Two students at the Tennessee Technology Center at McKenzie brought home first place honors at the National Skills USA competition.

Kurt Thomas of McKenzie and Steve Crawford of Paris placed first in the Sustainable Energy event. Their HOD (Hydrogen on Demand) display won rave reviews from the judges and fellow competitors for there creativity and craftsmanship. Both students for their win received a $100 gift card, set of Kobalt tools, and one trimester of free tuition at the local center.

TTC McKenzie also competed in two other events at the National Competition. Tony Hernandez of Milan placed tenth in the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning event he is the first postsecondary student in the history of Tennessee to place in the top ten. Jesse James of Dresden placed twenty first in the Automotive Mechanics competition.

Skills USA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations. Skills USA programs include local, state and national competitions in which students demonstrate occupational and leadership skills. At the annual national-level Skills USA Championships, over 5,000 students competed in 87 occupational and leadership skill areas.