CSI students earn gold medals at SkillsUSA competition

SkillsUSA is an organization that strives to give students an opportunity to learn and gain skills for a variety of industries, from electronics to health sciences.

Utica Center for Science and Industry (CSI) Mechatronics/Engineering Tech teacher Scott Spry prioritizes his students engaging with SkillsUSA.

“SkillsUSA introduces students to the world of industry and challenges them by pushing their skills in industry-led competitions,” Spry said. “I have been involved in SkillsUSA since 1983 when I was a junior at Henry Ford II.”

Competitions start with regionals with the top three advancing onto states; the winner of states then goes to nationals in Atlanta, Georgia to represent Michigan.

“CSI sent 10 students to states in Grand Rapids on April 18. They competed in Electronics Technology, Robotics and Automation, Additive Manufacturing, and 3D Animation,” Spry said.

Five students earned first place gold medals for their respective competitions. Those five students, listed below, have also punched their ticket to Atlanta for a spot at nationals to represent Michigan.

Electronics Technology - Garrick Case

Robotics and Automation - the team of Aneeka Mondal and Dean Gallucci

Additive Manufacturing - the team of Aiden Paul and Daniel Rudolph