Representing the SkillsUSA Kern High Chapter, 96 Regional Occupational Center (ROC), and Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) students competed at the 57th State Leadership & SkillsUSA Conference in Ontario, CA, from April 4-7, 2024.
With over 3,000 state champions competing in 120 skilled and leadership competitions, KHSD students were awarded seven gold medals, 13 silver medals and six bronze medals.
During the state SkillsUSA competition, ROC/CTEC students worked against the clock and each other, proving their expertise in occupations such as Automotive Refinishing Technology, Masonry, Information Technology Services, Audio/Radio Production, Advertising Design and Welding Fabrication. SkillsUSA runs all contests with the help of industry, trade associations, and labor organizations, testing competencies set by industry. In addition, leadership contestants demonstrated their skills, which included American Spirit, Outstanding Chapter, Chapter Display, Career Pathway Showcase, and
conducting meetings using parliamentary procedure. Top student winners received gold,
silver and bronze medallions.
The annual championships event is for middle school, high school, and college-level students who are members of SkillsUSA. SkillsUSA Kern High chapter members have consistently demonstrated their expertise and professionalism while participating throughout the year in various leadership and competitive conferences. SkillsUSA’s mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA improves the quality of the nation’s future skilled workforce by developing SkillsUSA Framework skills that include personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics. For more information: roc.kernhigh.org/skillsusakern
Gold-medalist winners will be advancing to compete at the National Leadership and SkillsUSA Conference in Atlanta, GA from June 24-28, 2024.
Congratulations!
The following students were awarded at the 2024 state conference:
Gold Medalist, Contest Name
Helen Lopez, Technical Computer Applications
David Ibanez, Mechatronics
Gabriel Mondragon, Mechatronics
Kelly Zepeda, American Spirit
Abigail Aguilar, American Spirit
Ashlyn Gurney, American Spirit
Eduardo Reyes, Masonry
Silver Medalist, Contest Name
James Coyle, Information Technology Services
Natalie Varela, Technical Computer Applications
Brayden Powers, Collision Damage Appraisal
Marc Herrera, Mechatronics
Tony Marquez, Mechatronics
Jaydon Zetino, Outstanding Chapter
Aubree Stahler, Outstanding Chapter
Aileen Urias, Outstanding Chapter
Carlos Castellon, Welding Fabrication
Mason Gates, Welding Fabrication
Nathaniel Guillen, Welding Fabrication
Jhoana Mijares Morales, Creed
Sergio Carrillo Castaneda, Plumbing
Bronze Medalist, Contest Name
Lizmary Garcia Gonzalez, Collision Damage Appraisal
Silvino Lopez Castaneda, Carpentry
Jaime Alcantar, TeamWorks
Jesus Flores, TeamWorks
Bryan Murillo, TeamWorks
Kane Spears, TeamWorks
Chapter Recognitions
Chapter Excellence Designation - Bronze Award
For more information about this year’s events and the winners, or to sponsor students
headed to the National Skills & Leadership conference in June contact:
Erin Hodson, SkillsUSA Kern High Chapter Director at (661) 396-4430 or by email at