St. Clair County Technical Education Center students made their mark on the national stage last month, with one student earning a fourth-place finish at the SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lucas Bauman, a senior at Memphis High School, earned fourth place in the CNC 5-axis milling programmer competition at the June 23 to 27 event, according to a news release. Fellow TEC student Allane Stamplis, a senior at St. Clair High School, competed in the welding sculpture competition.
Both students earned their spots at nationals by winning their respective competitions at the state level earlier this year.
“What these students accomplished goes beyond the competition results,” TEC Principal/CTE Director Lesley Murphy said in the release. “Lucas and Allane put in months of preparation, often staying after school and coming in on weekends to perfect their skills. Watching them compete alongside the best students in the country was incredible. They have demonstrated what TEC students are capable of.”
TEC instructors Duane Emig and Alecia Klein traveled with students and provided support before and during the competition.
“Students and instructional staff worked countless hours to prepare for and compete in the competition,” the release states. “Students’ accomplishments highlight the value of career and technical education in preparing students for the workforce.”
The SkillsUSA Championships draw state champions from across the United States to compete in skilled and leadership competitions. The event is considered the premier showcase for career and technical education students nationwide.
TEC provides career-oriented programs to high school juniors and seniors. TEC offers program choices to students, on- and off-site, that provide students the opportunity to earn high school electives and academic credit, college credit and state or national certification.
“TEC’s strong showing at nationals reflects the program’s commitment to hands-on learning and workforce preparation,” the release states.
For more information about TEC, visit sctec.org.
