For media information, contact:
Dana Urrutia, 678-495-3638
durrutia@gwinnetttech.edu

April 26, 2011

Gwinnett Tech Students Show Off Their Skills

Eleven Medals Earned; Seven First Place Students Advance to National Competition

Gwinnett Technical College was awarded eleven medals in eight events at the recent SkillsUSA State Championships held in Columbus, Ga. Seven students earned gold medals and will represent Gwinnett Tech and the state of Georgia at the National SkillsUSA Championships in June.

The SkillsUSA State Championships showcase the skills of post-secondary students through hands-on competitions in leadership, health occupations, trades/industry and technical contests. SkillsUSA is a nonprofit organization that serves teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.

In addition to the five gold medals, Gwinnett Tech students earned four silver medals. Winners include:

• Kris Griffin: Gold Medal in Carpentry

• Jennifer La Porte: Gold Medal in Commercial Baking

• Starr Petronell: Gold Medal in Commercial Photography

• Christopher Krekemeyer: Gold Medal in Welding

• Vadim Nakonechnyy, Clay Allen and Colin Stephens: Gold Medal in Welding Fabrication

• Levi Stanley: Silver Medal in Cabinetmaking

• Chris Chestnut: Silver Medal in Carpentry

• Lisa Barton: Silver Medal in Culinary Arts

• Nancie Phillips: Silver Medal in Welding Sculpture

Garey Bish, program director for Welding and Joining for Gwinnett Tech, served as the SkillsUSA liaison. "Our students had a great showing and exhibited the expertise, knowledge and skills they have learned in their respective fields," said Bish. "There's nothing more satisfying than assisting a student to succeed in the career of their choice. As an instructor, I pride myself on what the students have and will accomplish during their time training with us."

The seven students who earned gold medals will advance to the National SkillsUSA Championships, to be held June 20-25 in Kansas City, Mo.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to develop a strong workforce for America.

GTC offers more than 45 degree, diploma and certificate options that can be completed in two years or less. For more information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.

Get the latest news about Gwinnett Tech: http://www.gwinnetttech.edu/news

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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.