Lincoln-Way Students Compete At State SkillsUSA Contest

MANHATTAN, IL — Lincoln-Way Central, East and West students competed in the SkillsUSA competition in Springfield on April 13-14. The district said SkillsUSA Illinois is a state and national membership association serving high school, college and middle school students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations, and for further education.

Several students placed in their various competitions:

Lincoln-Way Central:

• Tommy Schaaf, Andy Bueschel, and Jack Benzing, Welding Fabrication Team, 14th Place
• Jory Bell, Welding Sculpture, 4th Place
• Sam Huish, Automotive Service Technology, 22nd Place
• Joe Byrne, Customer Service, 24th Place

“Students gained valuable experience as they networked with industry professionals,” Lincoln-Way Central sponsor Daymon Gast said in a release. “They also met new friends, enjoyed competition, and fellowship. I'm very proud of these students for their dedication and try.”

Lincoln-Way East: Lincoln Way East fielded three teams of three, each in Welding Fabrication.

• Team G- 5th Place M
  • Mario Brcik
  • Devlin Lynch
  • Noah Antoniazzi
• Team O- 12th Place
  • Daniel Rispoli
  • Anthony Langford
  • Shane Sanderson
• Team N- 15th Place
  • Patrick Nikolic
  • Brandon Padilla
  • Matthew Gorczynski

“We enjoyed our time competing, touring with industry partners, having fellowship, and meeting students from other schools. We are very proud of the students for all their hard work,” said Lincoln-Way East sponsor Tony Ogarek.

Lincoln-Way West:

• Quinn Burke, Welding Sculpture, 17 th Place

Welding Fabrication Teams

• Team I- 13th Place
  • Quinn Burke
  • Collin Schuetz
  • Sean Kazda
• Team K- 3rd Place
  • Austin Patterson
  • Guy Fitzer
  • Codey Collin

“A great effort was put forth by these six students,” said Lincoln-Way West sponsor Jason Visny. “Their dedication and the work they put in was very impressive and showed great character. They represented Lincoln-Way West very well while on the trip, acting with class and treating everyone with respect them came in contact with.”