SkillsUSA New Jersey National Medalists
The SkillsUSA Championships, held in Kansas City, Mo., took place June 23-27, 2008, as part of the SkillsUSA 44th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), a showcase of career and technical education students. During the week, more than 5,000 outstanding career and technical education students—all state contest winners—competed hands-on in 91 different trade, technical and leadership fields.
The following are National Medalists from our state:
American Spirit – Gold
Team N: Jane Gorski, Isabel Parilis and Kaitlyn M O'Brien
High School
Bergen County Vo-Tech School
Hackensack, NJ
Broadcast News Production – Silver
Team R: Liane Librizzi, Ann DeStefano, Jared Blashinsky and Elias Boujaoude
High School
Monmouth County Vocational School-Wall
Wall, NJ
Cosmetology – Gold
Abby Opdyke
College/Postsecondary
Hunterdon County Polytech Central
Flemington, NJ
Customer Service – Gold
Demi Fong
High School
Bergen County Vo-Tech School
Hackensack, NJ
Electronics Applications – Bronze
Dhaval Trivedi
High School
Warren County Tech School
Washington, NJ
Employment Application Process – Bronze
Jake Checkur
High School
Sussex County Tech School
Sparta, NJ
Entrepreneurship – Bronze
Team L: Cynthnia Garcia, Alexa Dabu, Kapadia Neha, and Deonne Francisco
High School
Hudson County School of Technology-Jersey City
Jersey City, NJ
Marine Service Technology – Silver
Jason Wendling
High School
Gloucester County Institute of Technology
Sewell, NJ
Plumbing – Silver
Sean Covert
High School
Passaic County AVTS
Wayne, NJ
Plumbing – Silver
Milton Moore Jr
College/Postsecondary
Camden County Sicklerville
Sicklerville, NJ
Quiz Bowl – Gold
Team AI: Zachary S Gozlan, Justin E Churchill, Christopher L Fischer, Devon Moore, Elina Tinfow and Dylan T Liu
High School
Union County Vo-Tech
Scotch Plains, NJ
Technical Computer Applications – Gold
Danilo Miranda
High School
Burlington County Westampton
Gold
Westampton, NJ
TechPrep-Agricultural, Food and Natural Resources – Gold
Team A: Maria Bender, Jaya Kanduri and Clarissa Lin
High School
Somerset County Vo-Tech
Bridgewater, NJ
TechPrep-Hospitality and Tourism – Bronze
Team B: Alexis Sicklick, Alex Kosma and William Bauer
High School
Bergen County Vo-Tech School
Hackensack, NJ
TechPrep-Human Services – Silver
Team B: Nicole Branda, Julia Cameron and Yelena Yukhvid
High School
Bergen County Vo-Tech School
Hackensack, NJ
TechPrep-Transportation Distribution & Logistics – Silver
Team C: Jonathan Cruz, Jonathan Clifford and David Worden
High School
Vineland High School
Vineland, NJ
NJ Union Carpenter Apprentice Skills Competition
On June 14, 2008, in Atlantic City, NJ, the Union Carpenter Apprentice Skills competition was held at the Atlantic City Convention Center. 50 Carpenter Apprentices competed in a day-long series of hands-on projects that included building mock-ups focused on wood and metal framing, drywall and interior systems, flooring-wood, carpet and vinyl, concrete form work and cabinetry. In addition to the live competition, the Convention Hall had 27 sponsor exhibitors.
New Jersey SkillsUSA Officer Team Prepares for the New Year
Paramus, NJ - On Thursday, May 27, the newly elected State Officer Team gathered for the annual Spring Leadership Conference, in preparation for the upcoming 2008-2009 school year. The officers used the conference to focus on leadership training, develop a general agenda for next year as well as to decide upon their positions on the state officer team. The morning activities primarily focused on learning valuable leadership skills for everyone involved. The state officers received training from State Director Peter Carey, while the retiring officers helped train members of Somerset County Vo-Tech chapter officers.
The officer team was also given the opportunity to participate in several recreation activities to bond together as a team. After a few rousing games of volleyball, the new state office team gathered privately to decide their positions for the year. At the conclusion of the conference, the spirit of the officers was high along with their expectations for the year ahead. State President Izzy Parillis had great feedback regarding this year's conference. "I really enjoyed the Spring Leadership Conference, because I had the opportunity to bond with my fellow state officers as well as say goodbye to the graduated officers. I think we have an incredible State Officer team and I look forward to working with them in making NJ SkillsUSA events bigger and better than they ever have been before."
The following are the officer positions for the 2008-2009 School Year:
President - Izzy Parilis
Vice President - Katerina Melekos
Secretary - Billy Bauer
Treasurer - Nicole Kim
Parliamentarian - Mya Mahankali
Reporter - Aaron Orchard
Historian - Richelle Lee
Photo Highlights Somerset County Vo-Tech Competitions
Below are photos from our
welding, custom car painting and web design contests that took place
at Somerset County Vo-Tech.
Photos courtesy of Eric Johnson, Morris County School Of Technology.
Photos from Ornamental Iron
and Custom Automotive Hood Refinishing Contests
Check out the 2008 entries!
First Place Entry in the 2008 New Jersey SkillsUSA Pin Design Contest
Produced by Fabiola Artiga,
Passaic County Technical Institute
Fabiola Artiga was born September 19, 1991. Her parents are from El Salvador raised in Paterson, New Jersey. She is currently a junior at Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne, NJ.
Fabiola is a successful and proud student in Advertising Art & Design, winning several awards for her illustrations which has led to getting commissioned art jobs. The technological focus of the Advertising Art and Design program this year has broadened her horizons. Some of her designs have been printed by our school and now with the Gold Medal for her NJ State Pin Design, Fabiola is even more convinced of her career choice.
Fabiola sees herself as a graphic designer for her future career, and continuing illustration as supplemental income and for enjoyment. We couldn't agree more with her career choice!
Congratulations on your Gold Medal, Fabiola!
Highlights from the 2008 State Conference
Congratulations to everyone who particiapted in the New Jersey SkillsUSA Championships. See you in Kansas City.
Your State Officer Team
Highlights from April 22 Competitions at Apprentice Training Centers
Many thanks to the International Masonry Institute, the Sam Secretario Carpenters Training Center, the New Jersey Carpenters Apprentice Training and Educational Fund, and Lowe's Home Improvement Centers.
Journeyman Mason Phillip assists Masonry Competitor at the International Masonry Institute competition.
Phillip Schon (left), former Ocean County Vo-Tech Masonry student, is now a journeyman after completing a 3 year apprenticeship at IMI.
All competitors receievd a tool kit donated by Lowe's.
NBC Today Show and OSHA Demonstration
Here are a few pictures from the Today Show OSHA Demonstration with SkillsUSA NJ students.
OSHA display next to SCVTHS student demonstration.
SCVTHS Landscaping students at work.
The symbols of partnership.
Grag Zotti and his student explain safety practices to US Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chou.
Greg Zotti describes the project to Secretary Chou.
Asst. Secretary of Labor Edwin Foulke introduces Secretary Chou to the media.
US Secretary of Labor Elaine Chou.
National SkillsUSA Executive Director Tim Lawrence addresses the media.
Greg Zotti's Senior Landscaping students.
SkillsUSA Love Our Vets Fundraiser
On March 18, thirty GCIT SkillsUSA students visited the NJ Veterans Home in Vineland, New Jersey. During the preceding months, the students organized a fundraiser by collecting useful items for the residents. The items we collected were from a wish list the Veterans compiled, that included hand made afghans, Sheppard's hooks (compliments of AWS Welding), Bird Feeders, Bird seed, baked goods, DVD's, magazines and toiletries.
Through generous contributions, our expectations were once again exceeded this year. Thank you to everyone who participated in this worthy cause!
The picture was taken at the NJ Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland NJ. The Students from Left to Right are as follows: Tim Meale, Zach Waskiewicz, Wendy Howell, Britanie Malara, Danielle Hein, Sage Kinney, Matt Zane.
SkillsUSA and ACTing Out join forces to raise awareness of Suicide Prevention
During March, students from GCIT SkillsUSA chapter sponsored a fundraiser for Suicide Awareness and Prevention. Silicone bracelets and sponsor cards were sold by students.
Through their efforts, over $700.00 was raised and will be donated to the Foundation for Suicide Prevention for research and education. On March 27th, through the combined efforts of SkillsUSA and ACTing Out, there was a school-wide assembly about suicide awareness and prevention.
ACTing Out performed several monologues and our goal was to let our students know there are resources to help them if they just need to talk to someone or are ever in a crisis situation. Through dedication and the hard work of many people, the fundraiser and assembly were a success!
Front row (from left to right): Britanie Malara and Cayce Tucker. Back row (from left to right): Jessica Covici, Amanda Laird-Kern, Amy Yang, Mary Patterson, Bianca Pagano.
New Jersey SkillsUSA Showcase at Chef Central
Paramus, NJ - On Saturday, March 8th, the Bergen County Academies Chapter of SkillsUSA visited Chef Central in Paramus to showcase its members' culinary knowledge. State officer Isabel Parilis has been working with chapter officers Jane Gorski and Kaitlyn O'Brien on the three-part American Spirit competition, which requires a community service project promoting technical schools. This demonstration was the perfect opportunity to educate the audience about the benefits these schools provide. Eleven members gave presentations and taught the crowd how to execute three recipes while discussing SkillsUSA and their involvement within the chapter. The American Spirit team explained the techniques and processes involved in creating chocolate roses alongside state president, Maria Hera. Chapter officers William Bauer, Julian Kosma, Alexandra Ponsi, and Janine Vicente followed with a demonstration of the dessert sauce zabaglione. This was accompanied by a discussion of their experiences with SkillsUSA, each of them being a gold or silver medalist at the state level. To conclude the presentations, Demi Fong, Keira Langan, and Christine Taylor made chocolate ganache and rolled truffles with samples for everyone present. The chapter enjoyed working alongside Chef Central and looks forward to future collaborations with the store.
State officers Maria Hera and Isabel Parilis played an integral role in the project, showcasing their culinary abilities as well as their excellent leadership skills through the execution of three different recipes. The girls focused on the processes behind making modeling chocolate and chocolate roses which they expertly demonstrated to the crowd. In order to highlight the advantages of technical schools, they engaged the audience in a discussion of their roles within SkillsUSA at both the local and state levels. Through their knowledge, the spectators walked away with a greater understanding of not only chocolate confections but the importance of leadership organizations such as SkillsUSA.
Cape May CTS Organizes Walk for Ronald McDonald House
SkillsUSA Community Service students at the Cape May County Technical School recently organized a one-mile walk to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, the group's service project for this school year. Staff and students participated and the group raised $300 to purchase a brick with the school's name on it in the new playroom at the Ronald McDonald House.
The students are still accepting cash donations to purchase items on the "House" wish list and als are collecting Acme receipts, items from the wish list, empty ink cartridges and soda tabs. The wish list is at posted online. See: www.philarmh.org.
Donations can be dropped off at the high school main office, 188 Crest Haven Road, Cape May Court House. Call 465-2161, ext. 114.
Jackson Cosmetology Students Compete For Regional Honors
High school students learn to cut, dye and style hair all before graduation in the cosmetology program at the Ocean County Vocational-Technical School's (OCVTS) Jackson location. Read more.
State Medal Winners – February 2, 2008
The following students won medals at the state competitions held on February 2 at Ocean County Vo-Tech. They will find out their ranking and receive their medals at the SkillsUSA Championships Awards Ceremony on May 3.
Commercial Baker's Aide
Mariah Fishman, Cape May
Rebecca Walsh, Sussex
Faye Johnson, Bergen/Hackensack
Richard Childers, OCVTS/Brick
Marine Service Technology
Jason Wending, Gloucester
Andrew Maat, Sussex
Ahmed Dakroury, OCVTS/Toms River
Josh Buchanan, OCVTS/Toms River
Eddie Chaplauske, OCVTS/Toms River
Motorcycle Service Technology
Mike Valentino, Gloucester
Justin Alpaugh, Somerset
Alfred Davenport, Sussex
William Wilderspin, OCVTS/Jackson
Photography
Michael Caroselli, Hudson Prep
Erick Bradley, Hudson Prep
Sammantha Jasanovsky, Monmouth/Wall
Heather Jaskot, OCVTS/Brick
Nahjier Williams, OCVTS/Brick
Power Equipment Technology
Sean Spafford, Bergen Tech/Paramus
Jeremiah Stephenson, Somerset
Thomas Hynes, OCVTS/Brick
Some State Competitions Held on February 2
Check out the SkillsUSA state competitions that took place Saturday, February 2, at Ocean County Vo-Tech. More information here.
SkillsUSA New Jersey on Broadway
Somerset, NJ - The State Officer Team, accompanied by advisors, members of the state staff and alumni traveled to New York City this past weekend for the annual holiday excursion.
This popular event involves a Broadway show, holiday sightseeing, dinner and shopping. This years Broadway show was the hit musical, A Chorus Line. Afterwards, the team took part in shopping at various stores in and around Times Square. The dinner was held at the Marriott Marquis, and as usual it was magnificent! The night was ended with a stroll to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a visit Saint Patrick's Cathedral and various nearby stores.
Members of the State Officer Team in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Welding Students From GCIT Travel To National Welding Conference
SkillsUSA students from the A.W.S. welding program at
Gloucester County Institute of Technology attended the annual American
Welding Society show and conference on welding in Chicago, Illinois.
Along with their instructor Mr. Dan Roskiewich, these students
spent 3 days in Chicago attending the conference and show. They had the
opportunity to meet with members of the A.W.S. Board of Directors and
all of the representatives of the welding equipment and manufacturers
who attended.
Pictured (left to right) are students Anthony Terreri, Matthew Murphy,
Tyler O’Niell, Tim Meehl, Douglas Lebree, and Matthew Zane.
State Senator Bucco Meets with SkillsUSA State Officers at Morris County Tech
In conjunction with the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools' Legislator Outreach Week program (October 1-12, 2007), we invited members of the Senate and Assembly representing Morris County to visit our local county vocational school. This was a way for them to meet our students and see some of the innovative academic and technical education programs at our campus.
In the spirit of the National Council of State Legislature’s "America's Legislators Back to School Program," our SkillsUSA students engaged Senator Bucco about their experiences and reinforced the importance of career and technical education in New Jersey. This is especially timely as the Legislature prepares to consider a new school funding formula that will impact Morris County Vocational-Technical School and high school and adult students throughout the county.
From left to right, Superintendent Jim Rogers, State Officer Victoria DeValve, Senator Bucco, and State Officer Sam Ruell.
Article submitted by SkillsUSA Advisor Angela LaMorte.
SkillsUSA students raise money for Autism Research
On Saturday, September 22, 2007, students from SkillsUSA volunteered and participated in the Gloucester County Walk for Autism.
In only a two week time period, students diligently worked on promoting this fundraiser throughout the school and community. Through their efforts, $1,600.00 was raised to go towards Autism research.
We would like to thank the staff, students, and members of the community for their generosity towards this worthy cause.
Teamwork is what made this fundraiser a SUCCESS!
Article and photo submitted by:
Diane Stafford
Secretary to the Director of Public Information
Local SkillsUSA Champions Recognized for Success at 43rd National Leadership and Skills Conference
Wood-Ridge, NJ - SkillsUSA Champions from the Bergen County Academies were honored for achieving great success at the SkillsUSA 43rd National Leadership and Skills Conference. At a recent Mayor and Council meeting, Wood-Ridge Mayor and New Jersey State Senator Paul Sarlo congratulated students from the Bergen County Academies on their success at the national conference. Senator Sarlo presented each champion with a certificate of extraordinary achievement from the State of New Jersey and praised the students on their accomplishments. "The people of Bergen County, but more importantly the people of New Jersey are proud of you all!" In addition, Senator Sarlo presented SkillsUSA Chapter Advisors Mary Beth Brace and John Branda with certificates of achievement.
Senator Sarlo has long been a friend to New Jersey SkillsUSA, and to Career and Technical Education. In 2004, the senator helped celebrate Vocational-Technical Education Week, by arranging a tour of the State House for student leaders in the various vocational student organizations. Senator Sarlo also spoke with the students on the importance of education and vocational programs.
State Senator Paul Sarlo with Nicole Branda, Yelena Yukhvid & Julia Cameron, winners of the Gold medal for Tech Prep-Education & Training Services.
Senator Sarlo with Tara Belits and Sandi Cohen, Silver medalists for American Spirit.
Senator Sarlo with Craig Growney, the national Gold Medal winner for Culinary Arts.
