Contact: Melissa Reifert
March 9, 2007

SkillsUSA Contest Winners Receive MECC Scholarships

A competition testing skills in welding, electrical wiring, and installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units was recently held at the Russell County Career and Technology Center in Lebanon, Virginia. The contests were part of SkillsUSA, 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.

The organization, formerly known as Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, helps each student excel and ensures that America has a skilled workforce. Winners in this year’s SkillsUSA competition were presented with scholarships from Mountain Empire Community College, as well as other prizes.

For the welding competition, Bradley Rice from Buchanan County received first place, while second place went to Nathan Lester, also from Buchanan County. Scott County resident Ben Akers received first place in the HVAC competition, while Wise County’s Jordan Meade placed second in the contest. Brad Arneti from Buchanan County and Luke Gillenwater from Scott County placed first and second, respectively, in the electrical competition.

All first place winners received a $500 scholarship from MECC. Second place award winners received a $250 scholarship from the college. Other prizes such as a Miller auto darkening welding helmet and a welding tools accessory kit were also awarded at the event. Prizes were donated by Miller Electric, Air Gas Industrial Supply of Norton, and the MECC welding program. MECC Instructors Paul Gilley, Jerry Ramey, and Silas Qualls presented the awards to contest winners.

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