IOWA LAKES STUDENTS RECEIVE NATIONAL ACCOLADES

Several students from Iowa Lakes Community College have received recognition for their efforts at the National SkillsUSA-VICA contest in Kansas City in late June.

In Motorcycle Service, Matthew Kuennen, Waucoma, received a third place award in the postsecondary division. 

Also receiving a national third place award was the Team Works construction group of Trapper Griese, Dolliver; Adam Hibbing, Paullina; Rick Hoekstra, Maurice; and Jonathan Cretsinger, Coon Rapids.  They were honored in the postsecondary division.

Joshua Ludovissy, North Buena Vista, took fifth place in Marine Service Technology, postsecondary.

A sixth place award went to the team of Joshua Stone, Algona, and Eric Kulow, Estherville, for Television (Video) Production, postsecondary.

Dallas Maday, Ringsted, took a seventh place award in Collision Repair, postsecondary; as did Jason Dearchs, Algona, Motorcycle Service, secondary.

Others participating in the national conference included.  Jesse Pergande, Armstrong, in Collision Repair, secondary; Martin Dahl, Swea City, Power Equipment Technology secondary; Brandon Becker, Burt, Power Equipment Technology, postsecondary; and, Brandon Menneke, Algona, and Nickolas Bartz, Algona, secondary Television (Video) Production.

The 40^th SkillsUSA-VICA National Leadership and Skills Conference was held in Kansas City.  Over 4,000 students from 54 states and territories were present at this year’s conference.

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.