Several students from Riverland Community College placed in the SkillsUSA state championship competition in their technical career areas. The competition was held in Bloomington April 9-11. The event was a showcase for career and technical education students across the state.

Winners were: Vadym Bezkrovnya, third in auto refinishing technology; Ray Krell, second in carpentry; Annette Beasley, third and Nikke Schely second in cosmetology. John Jorgenson and T.J. Lynch, both first in crime scene investigation. John Jorgenson also placed third and T.J. Lynch also placed first in criminal justice. Selena Smith-Flemming placed first in customer service. Sergio Hernandez placed first in extemporaneous speaking and third in prepared speech. Randal Curtis placed first in prepared speech. Lisa Norwood placed third in job skill demonstration. Katie Kirsch placed second in job skill demonstration and first in health occupations professional portfolio. Ashely Goebeo and Rachel Clark placed second in nail care. Stephanie Blaser and Barry Danks placed third and Penny Mortenson and Genevieve Jungers placed second in web design.

First place winners will go on to national competition in Kansas City on June 20 to 25.

SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA chapters help students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations excel. SkillsUSA has more than 300,000 students and instructors as members.