HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson Community College student earned a bronze medal as four students representing the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy competed at the SkillsUSA national competition in Atlanta.
Chyanne Myers placed third in the post-secondary Job Interview competition, which tested students’ ability to navigate the hiring process for an entry-level position in their field of study. Competitors prepared portfolios that included a resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation and references before completing a paper application and participating in a live interview with a panel of judges.
The position Myers researched was one she was actively pursuing. During the competition, she also completed four professional development courses focused on artificial intelligence tools, building a personal and professional brand, work ethic and leadership.
Myers was offered a job following the competition in addition to earning the bronze medal.
Three area high school students also represented HCTEA at the event, which brought together state and territorial champions from across the United States.
Hutchinson High School student Blake Beaumont competed in the secondary division of the Job Interview contest. Beaumont did not advance beyond the preliminary round.
Buhler High School student Harlie Terrell placed 30th in the secondary Welding Sculpture contest with a score of 682 out of 1,000 points. Terrell, a first-year welding student, created a flower bouquet sculpture representing her family, with each flower corresponding to the birth month of a family member.
The Welding Sculpture competition included a judged sculpture and portfolio, a live cutting and welding project and an in-person interview with a panel of welding and art professionals.
Haven High School student Tanner Loughrie competed in the secondary Job Skill Demonstration Open contest. Loushrie, also a first-year welding student, demonstrated how welding inspectors conduct nondestructive visual inspections.
Loughrie was evaluated on his opening and closing statements, organization, knowledge of the subject and communication skills. He did not advance to the final round, which included the top six competitors from his preliminary group.
“I could not be more proud of the students,” HCTEA welding instructor and SkillsUSA lead advisor Jeremiah Harmon said. “They made a commitment to be competitive and they delivered.”
Hutchinson High School history teacher and SkillsUSA leadership advisor Glenna Burden said the students showed continued improvement as they advanced through each stage of the competition.
“You can see the improvement and growth in the students as they work through each level of competition — ultimately earning a chance to show that on the national level,” Burden said.
SkillsUSA is a national organization serving students and instructors in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health-related fields.