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The Copper Country Intermediate School District has a lot to be proud of following an impressive performance of its Career and Technical Education students at the CTE Skills Competition.
Over 250 CTE students from across the Upper Peninsula participated in the event at Northern Michigan University last Friday.
The competitions included Automotive, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), Construction Trades, Culinary Arts and Welding.
CCISD’s automotive technology students participated in a competition that included a written test and five different workstations that are a timed event to work through. These stations comprised of parts identification, under the hood inspection and service, chassis inspection, brake inspection, and electrical diagnosis.
Five CCISD students participated in the competition. Coming in 9th was Trevor Simonson a senior from Hancock, 7th place was Jesse Silverson a junior from Hancock, 6th place was Lars Peterson from Dollar Bay. The 2nd place winner was Trace Hammerstrom a junior from Hancock, and 1st place was awarded to Jacob Chizek a home-schooled student registered through Lake Linden. Jacob’s first place prize was a 5 drawer roll cabinet and a ratcheting Gearwrench set. Trace’s second place prize was a 1/4 and 3/8 drive standard and metric socket set. Lars and Jesse received $50 gift certificates from Walmart and Trevor received a $25 gift certificate from Advanced Auto Parts.
CCISD Automotive teacher David Nahri said, “It was a great competition and event to attend. I am grateful for the student participation and very proud of their hard work. The students showed their ability to compete and place very well in a difficult competition.”
CCISD Welding students participated in a Welding competition. Welding Instructor Tim Stites said, “The students had a lot of fun getting to use a different lab, meeting some other welding students, and using the virtual equipment that companies brought in.”
“It was a learning experience for both the students and me, as this was the first competition that any of us had been to,” said Stites. “The students explained that it took a little time to learn the different welders and to navigate their lab. Once the students settled in they seemed to really enjoy themselves. The organizers did a great job keeping the students busy in between their rounds of welding. They had different local companies bring in virtual equipment for the students to use. They had a virtual excavator, virtual painting booth, and our favorite, virtual welders. The virtual welders were very realistic and critical on any mistake or flaw you would have in your weld.”
The CCISD Welding students did have the top three spots in the Systems Controls Virtual Competition. Tied for 1st place with 96/100: Donny Lehtola (Chassell) & Josiah Manderfield (Hancock). 3rd place score 95/100 : Justin Mattila (Jeffers).
Welding Instructor Stites also commented, “All around, this experience was a fantastic way to get the students out to see some different equipment, show off the skills that they have been working on all year, win some prizes, and have some fun while networking with their peers and local companies. I would recommend attending this event to any student or program.”
The CCISD Construction Technology students had to construct a 4 ft x 6 ft storage building following a set of construction plans. Each 5 member team had to interpret plans and work together to complete the build without help from their instructors. Besides constructing the building, the students also had an electrical portion included. Two members of the team had to install a working circuit with a switch and light, outlet, and service panel.
CTE Construction teacher Mike Randell stated, “Our students received all points for the electrical portion of the competition. This year all teams were really close in total points with only a few points separating all teams. Even though we did not receive 1st place, our students competed and worked exceptionally well as a team to accomplish their goals. This competition is a great for students to show off their understanding and craftsmanship of the construction field. I am very proud of how well my students worked together and represented the Copper Country.”
CCISD CTE Culinary Teacher Megan O’Connell stated that this was the first year in the culinary competition. The CCISD Culinary team members were Jaden DeMink & William Genchow from L’Anse HS and Shaina Duschaine and Justin Smith from Baraga HS. There was only 6 points difference between the first place team and the last place team. The CCISD Culinary team, students from L’Anse and Baraga, finished in 4th place.
O’Connell said, “All the students did great and had blast at the competition. The event was a great experience.”
