Posted: May 10, 2019Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

Five Cuesta College Career Education students took home gold medals at the SkillsUSA California’s State Leadership and Skill Conference, held April 25th– 28th in Ontario, CA. The winners are eligible to participate in the 55th Annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference on June 24th in Louisville, KY.

The 2019 Cuesta College SkillsUSA California medalists are:

  • Alexandra Newsom – Gold, Criminal Justice
  • Alexander Romo – Gold, Welding Combo
  • Braden Abatti – Gold, Welding Fabrication
  • Michael Dye – Gold, Welding Fabrication
  • Frank Randise – Gold, Welding Fabrication
  • Jennifer Osegura – Silver, Collision Refinishing

“When our students can successfully compete against the best of the state of California has to offer, it speaks to the high quality of programs at Cuesta College,” said Engineering and Technology Division Chair John Stokes, who also oversees the college’s SkillsUSA team. “Our students who complete our programs are not only technically skilled but employable. They show the characteristics of future leaders who exhibit the values and abilities required in today’s workforce.”

Donations can be made to support the students heading to nationals by visiting the Cuesta College Foundation webpage and choosing ‘SkillsUSA’ from the gift designation drop-down menu.

Cuesta College has sent students to medal in the national competition in the last 12 years. Last year, Milan Tolani brought home the gold in early childhood education. In 2015, alumnus Michael Mullen competed in the WorldSkills International competition, representing the United States in auto service technology. In 2011, former Cuesta College student Daniel Lehmkuhl competed in automobile technology at WorldSkills International in London.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry representatives, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. For more information on SkillsUSA, visit their website at skillsusa.org. For more information about Cuesta College’s Career Education Programs, please visit bit.ly/cuestacte.