Skills USA team advancing to State

Pittsburg High School’s Skills USA team’s competition season got off to a great start in Waco Feb. 8 and 9.
The students have practiced and prepared for months, anticipating the District level contest held at Texas State Technical College. The team competed in various events, and was awarded five individual medals.
“I was very pleased with their success,” said Skills USA Sponsor John Whitten. “I expect them to do well at State.”
In the photography division, Emma Lee placed first, Savanna Carter took second and Terra Eagan third.
“The best part about Waco was qualifying for State and placing higher than I did in the previous year,” said Terra.
Eric Diviney and Daniel Yanez took first place as a duo in web design.
“As a first year competitor in Skills USA, I was very excited to learn that we would be advancing to State,” said Daniel.
Three students were also recognized for their photo panels. Daniel’s and Tia Lawson’s photo panels advanced to State, as well as Savanna’s. She won the best in show award.
“Skills USA is an amazing club,” said Tia. “I wish I would have joined my freshman and sophomore year. I’m looking forward to competing again next year. I’m preparing another photo panel.”
Other competitors include Lazarez Avenger, Oscar Cisneros, Madison Brown and Ryan Avinger.
“I’m not advancing to State,” said Lazarez, “but I look forward to competing next year.”
The students that placed will go to the State level contest in Corpus Christi April 4-8, where they will be competing against the best in Texas.
 “I’m really looking forward to competing at State,” said Emma. “I’m hopeful that my teammates and I do well enough to advance to Nationals.”
Skills USA members have kicked off this season with a great start. The students are hard at work preparing for State competition as well as next year’s season.
“I honestly think that if we get to work and concentrate on us rather than worrying about the competition, we should be able to accomplish what we want,” said Daniel, “a chance at nationals.”