Hamilton SkillsUSA Finds Success at State Competition

Photo from Hamilton SkillsUSA.

On April 9 and 10, Hamilton High School SkillsUSA members competed at SkillsUSA state in Madison. Hamilton was represented by thirteen students in nine different contests including cabinetmaking, CNC milling, Teamworks (a 4-person construction contest), advertising design, woodworking display, and more. The following students received medals.

Evan Wagner – Bronze, Woodworking Display ($0-50 Project)

Mason Schomann – Silver, CNC Milling

Jacob Winter – Silver, Cabinetmaking

Jacob Winter – Silver, Woodworking Display (Over $150 Project)

Nate Behrndt, Joel DeLonge, AJ Swope, Jake Wilson – Silver, Teamworks

Grace London – Gold, Woodworking Display ($0-50 Project)

Other students competing placed well too, including top ten finishes from Tyler Vergin in T-Shirt Design, Cody Stowe in 3D Printing, Ryan Schmidtke in Woodworking Display, Will Bruss in Woodworking Display, Grace London in T-Shirt Design, and Mason Schomann in Job Skill Demonstration.

The Hamilton SkillsUSA program continues to grow, with a majority of competitors being new to SkillsUSA this year. Students who were returning competitors saw continued success, with Mason Schomann moving up the podium from a 3rd place finish last year, the Teamworks team breaking into the top three after a 4th place finish last year, and Jacob Winter continuing an impressive woodworking career by bringing home his fifth and sixth state medals in only his third year of competing.

Senior Jake Wilson noted that not only did students see an increase in technical skills, but they also improved workplace soft skills. “One of the things that we did better this year during construction was working together as a team. Last year we were working on electrical and plumbing and getting in each other’s way, and this year we communicated and talked through what each person had to be doing.”

“Hamilton’s success is a testament to what our advisors, teachers, and Applied Engineering Program as a whole is providing students” said advisor Alan J. Mamerow. “Tom Schlueter has students that are constantly working on designs and printing for shirt printing jobs in our Graphic Arts program, Joe Premo has students that are completing woodworking and cabinetmaking projects for classrooms and other teachers, our construction program has built numerous sheds for the district. We have students that recognize and take advantage of the opportunities available to them at Hamilton, and their dedication to increase their skills and abilities shows.”

SkillsUSA is an organization for students interested in pursuing careers or expanding their knowledge in skilled trades. Over 80 different contests are available in the state of Wisconsin. In its seventh year as a chapter, Hamilton’s team is advised by Applied Engineering and Technology teachers Alan Mamerow, Joe Premo, Tom Schlueter, and Chad McLaughlin.