Thirteen Lake Washington Technical College (LWTC) students have qualified to compete at the 2010 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Miss., from June 20-25. This 46th annual event is the country's premier showcase of career and technical education students. Over 5,000 students will compete in 96 occupational and leadership skills areas.

The students qualified by placing at several local competitions around Washington State. The statewide competition culminated at the SkillsUSA Washington State Leadership and Skills competition at Columbia Basin Community College in Pasco in late April.

LWTC's qualifiers along with their finish in the state competition are: Automated Manufacturing Technology: Dennis Niemela, Cody Westerinen, and Joe Davis, first; Automotive Service Technology: Ryan Quam, third; Computer Numeric Control Milling Technology: Robbie Simpson and Chris Taylor, first; Computer Maintenance Technology: Clayton Johnson, first; Jordan Hoffman, second; Marine Service Technology: Matt Robinson, first; Motorcycle Service Technology: Cameron Brown and Cameron Roach, first; Chris Anderson, second. Also, Power Equipment Technology: Gary Koukal, first.

Since qualifying for the national competition, Bob Monroig and his students have worked to secure funding for the trip. Their target is $1,100 to $1,200 per person, "depending on airfare," says Monroig. Campus fund raisers, including the popular "Krispy Kreme Mondays" have been held and Monroig has investigated funding options through local foundations and scholarships. If you would like to contribute, contact Bob Monroig at 425-739-8238 or bob.monroig@lwtc.org.

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