v By Kayla Smith

From electrical trades to cosmetology, drafting skills to computers, Skills USA is a very aggressive, yet spirited competition. Several Leander High School students left Friday, February 13^th to Waco and many came back winners.

Most surprisingly, however, was Breanna Maher’s feat over eleven males who contended against her for the Residential and Commercial Wiring District Champ title.

“It was very intense,” Breanna, junior, said. “Out of the four hours we were given to complete the project, I finished in less than one and a half. When I read the judges’ comment: ‘Best electrician in district’ I couldn’t help but feel very proud of myself.”

Even better, still, Breanna was presented with a guaranteed job by one of the judges.

“When I found out that I was offered a job right out of college, I was just overall shocked and extremely pleased with myself.” She said.

Overall, for electrical trades, Breanna Maher, Josh Alvarez, Victor Contreras, Leo Contreras, Caleb Lucio, James Mouser, Brandon Rogers, Daniel Ruiz, John Zavala, Eric Hunter, Jaime Rios, and Dylan Rowe qualified to compete at State in April.

For drafting, Matthew Roberts, Christina Renfroe, Tia Stutz, Bill Elmer, and Nathan Sauers made it to State.

Matt placed first for architectural drafting and Christina Renfroe placed second.

“It was awesome to finally have the drafting skills to complete enough of the challenge to win first,” Matt, senior, said.

In cosmetology, Miles George, Jessica Parsons, Joanna Reyes, Kristen McCallum, Jovana Cheairs, Courtney Wilson, Meagan Zavala, and Jordan Von Horn also get to compete this April. Miles George placed first in Esthetics and Courtney Wilson placed first in Nail Art.

“For the second consecutive year, we qualified 100% of our district competitors for the State competition,” Ronny Williams, electrical trades instructor, said.

Receiving blue ribbons and all placing above 90 for their building trades projects are Victor Contreras-mirror; Cynthia Adams-table; Nick Black-saddle stool; Evan Jenkins-armoire; Ruben Littleton-game table; Arthur Mercado-saddle stool; Marshall Quenomoen-armoire; Ivan Shelnutt-altar.

In addition, Jordan Tisdale won the gold medal in Action Skills with his circular saw presentation. Our Team Works team of Victor Contreras, Josh Alvzrez, Ruben Littleton and Tim Dixon won the bronze medal.