IOWA LAKES STUDENT RANKS FIRST IN THE NATION

A student from Iowa Lakes Community College has received a gold medal for his efforts at the National SkillsUSA-VICA contest in Kansas City last week.

Zach Schramm, a student enrolled in the Motorcycle Technology class won first in the Power Equipment Technician competition.  Zach, of Auburn, graduated from high school at Lakeview-Auburn last year.  His instructor, Matt Bohl, also competed in the national competition in 1998 when he won a gold medal in the Marine Service Technology competition.  Zach will graduate from Matt's program this month and has taken a job with a Small Engine Repair business in Rochester, Minn.

For his efforts, Zach will receive more than $1,000 in tools and has been invited to attend a manufactured-sponsored event in Louisville, Ky., later this month – all expenses paid. 

Iowa Lakes had nine other students at the competition. 

“While they did not win medals, they should be proud of their accomplishments competing against students from 49 other states,” said Dr. Dave Nixon, Executive Dean.

Secondary students included:  Josh Dittrich, Algona, TV/Video Production; Josh Stone, Algona, TV/Video Production; Dallas Maday, Ringsted, Collision Repair Technology; and, Brian Korte, Ringsted, Motorcycle Service Technology.  Iowa Lakes Community College students included:  Aaron Fahrmann, Cylinder, Culinary Arts; Chad Paulsen, Granville, Marine Technology; Dan Johnsen, Luverne, Motorcycle Service Technology; Zach Schramm, Auburn, Power Equipment Technology; Amy Goldtrap, Lakota, TV/Video Production; and, Angie VanEngen, Melvin, TV/Video Production.

Preparations are already under way at Iowa Lakes for next year’s state competition that will be held at the Emmetsburg Campus in April 2003.

SkillsUSA-VICA is a national organization serving approximately 250,000 high school, college students and professional members who are enrolled in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations.  SkillsUSA-VICA promotes the free enterprise system and community service.  The group’s mission is based upon the premise that the craftsperson and technician must have more than just technical skills.