LSTC Students Win SkillsUSA National Awards

Ben Mellott remembers when his name was called as a national winner, but not much following that.  “A fellow student said I made Kobe Bryant jealous when I jumped up out of my chair,” commented Mellott.

Representing Linn State Technical College, Mellott competed at the National Leadership and Skills Conference June 23-27 in Kansas City.  He won a gold medal in the Electronics Applications contest.  Students in the contest troubleshoot problems in audio systems, power supplies and microprocessors.

Mellott says he was excited to win the gold for himself, but says it reflects on more than just him.  “I was really excited that I won a gold medal for the college, especially for the Electronics department,” said Mellott, “Credit goes to my electronics instructors who have always encouraged me and led me in the right direction.”

LSTC had over 20 students competing at the SkillsUSA Championships.  In addition to Mellott’s win, the college’s five-member quiz bowl team picked up third place medals and the college’s extemporaneous speaker placed fifth.

The five students on the third place national team included Chris Davidson, Erich Duncan, Matthew Pruett, David Rostad and Joseph Splitt. The Quiz Bowl competition tests team members’ knowledge in academic, professional development and current event areas. 

Kellen Hollis placed fifth at the national level in Extemporaneous Speaking.  The contest requires contestants to give a three-to-five minute speech on an assigned topic with only five minutes of advance preparation.  Hollis’ speech related to one part of the SkillsUSA creed: what it means to live the American way of life.

“Students spend weeks preparing for state and national contests,” said Jennie Bedsworth, LSTC SkillsUSA Chapter advisor.  “This is a chance for them to challenge themselves and show their best.  All of the students who competed this year reflect expertise and professionalism.  We’re proud of how they’ve represented LSTC and SkillsUSA.”

The SkillsUSA Championships event is the national-level competition for public high school and college/postsecondary technical students enrolled in trade, technical and skilled service profession instructional programs.