| College of Eastern Utah student Katie Young recently competed at the national SkillsUSA event. Young, an Orangeville resident, captured a gold medal in the prepared speech category. |
Two students representing the Carbon and Emery County area received recognition at the national SkillsUSA competition last month for expertise in vocational and technical fields.
Katie Young, an Orangeville resident who attended College of Eastern Utah last year, received a gold medal in the prepared speech category.
The prepared speech contest requires students to deliver a speech from five to seven minutes in length. Speeches must relate to a common theme chosen by national championship organizers.
Contestants spoke on the theme “SkillsUSA: Champions at Work,” and were evaluated on their ability to present thoughts relating to a central theme clearly and effectively. Judges also assessed voice, mechanics and platform deportment.
Students from high school and college technical education programs won the nation’s highest awards at the Skills-USA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Mo.
Industry leaders representing more than 1,000 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions recognized the students for their demonstrated excellence in 84 hands-on occupational and leadership contests such as robotics, criminal justice, aviation maintenance and public speaking.
Industry support of the national SkillsUSA Championships is valued at more than $30 million in of donated time, equipment, cash and material. All contests are run and judged by industry experts using industry standards for employment. Contests assess hands-on, employability and academic skills. More than 1,000 industry judges participated this year.
All student winners received medallions. Many also received prizes such as tools of their trades and/or scholarships to further their careers and education. The SkillsUSA Championships is for high school and college-level students who are members of SkillsUSA.