LATTC Students Shine at SkillsUSA
Trade Tech Cosmetology, Auto Collision and Construction Design and Maintenance students brought home metals from the SkillsUSA, California competition held in Riverside April 19 to 22. Winning a gold metal in Cosmetology was Raul Pena while Yesenia Carlos and Liliana Pulido won silver in Cosmetology and Nail Technology respectively. Jason Martinez won a bronze medal in the Auto Collision competition. The Construction Design and Maintenance team of Carlos Castillo, Jimmy Martinez, John Drinkwater and Jayson Simpson won second place. Competing in a two-day competition, they presented a building plan and constructed a structure involving masonry, carpentry, electrical and plumbing. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled work force.

Raul and his advisor, Marilyn Maine, Associate Professor, Cosmetology, will travel to Kansas City , Missouri where he will compete in the SkillsUSA, National event being held June 25 to 29.

SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. It was formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).

Marilyn Maine, Fred Morago, Instructor, Automotive Collision Repair and Tom Vessella, Instructor, Carpentry, accompanied the students as advisors. Eric Chavez, Department Chair and Professor, Electronics Technology represented the college as a judge in the electronics competition. 070503