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May 11, 2006

Gwinnett Tech Sets Record at State SkillsUSA Contest

Gold Medal Winners Advance to National Competition

Gwinnett Technical College (GTC) students recently set a new college record for medals earned in the State SkillsUSA Contest. GTC students competed in state level skills contests held at various locations around Georgia last month, with record-breaking results.

SkillsUSA is a worldwide student organization available to secondary and postsecondary students to practice leadership and vocational skills in a friendly, yet competitive environment.

"It means a great deal for our students to place at the state level [in the SkillsUSA competition]," said Steve Conway, director, automotive technology with Gwinnett Tech, and the college's SkillsUSA chapter advisor. "It generally says that a student is not only competent at their chosen trade but that they can work well under pressure and are the best among their peers from other technical colleges in this state. The fact that the students take time away from work and/or family to attend this competition shows a great deal of dedication on their part."

The competition took place over the span of several weeks in April across the state of Georgia.

Chosen from 600 participants in the competition, Gwinnett Tech's medal winners include:

• Randall Barnett - Gold Medal -- Carpentry
• Steve Bruno - Silver Medal -- Photography
• Darrell Bryant - Gold Medal - Cabinet Making
• Jackie Hawthorne - Gold Medal -- Photography
• Shelley Hoster - Gold Medal - Pre-School Teaching Assistant
• Dinh Huynh - Gold Medal - CNC Milling
• Landon Smith - Bronze Medal - Carpentry

GTC students also competed in the welding and automotive service contests.

The five gold medal recipients from the state competition will move to the national competition, competing against nearly 5,000 peers from around the United States at the SkillsUSA conference in Kansas City, Mo., next month.

"This competition gives the students a great chance to be showcased in front of industry employers that can result in job offers, or other financial rewards, like scholarships or tools," Conway said.

For more information on Gwinnett Tech's participation in SkillsUSA or about the many programs offered by Gwinnett Tech, one of the state's largest technical colleges, call 770-962-7580 or visit www.GwinnettTech.edu.

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About Gwinnett Tech
Gwinnett Technical College, one of Georgia's largest technical colleges, is committed to delivering relevant knowledge to meet the workforce training needs of its community. The college offers more than 50 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs and hundreds of seminars, workshops and courses providing specialized training. GTC is Gwinnett County's largest provider of corporate training and now serves residents and businesses in north Fulton County. Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097,404-679-4500, www.sacscoc.org for questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College. For more information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu.

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.