DCHS Automotive Technology Students Return with Several State Awards

Five DCHS Automotive Technology students recently returned with several honors from the State SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference that was held from April 3rd through April 8th in Corpus Christi.

All of the students competed in multiple contests at the state level this year. All five of the students competed in a technical information contest. Three of the students competed in a skills Hands-on contest and two of the students competed in a Job/Action Skill Demonstration Contest.  There were also two different teams (one team of five and one team of three) that competed.

In addition three of the students competed in a skills Hands-on contest and two of the students competed in a Job/Action Skill Demonstration Contest.
“These students represented Denver City very well and have put in many hours of practice and preparation to be ready for their respective competitions,” noted Scott Burkett, Automotive Technology Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor. “I am very proud of them for persevering and not giving up.  It has been a blessing to watch them grow through trials, mistakes, and small victories along their journey.”
Below is a student list and their accomplishments:

• John Bingham … Job Skills Demonstration “Open” Division (4th Place) and Chapter Business Procedure (parliamentary team leadership) (6th Place)
• Zach Burkett … Action Skills (Job Demonstration) (3rd Place), Emblem Ceremony (opening/closing meetings, team – leadership) (6th Place), Chapter Business Procedure (parliamentary team leadership) (6th Place), Marine Service Technology (9th Place)
• Hazel Valverde … Emblem Ceremony (opening/closing meetings, team – leadership) (6th Place), Chapter Business Procedure (parliamentary team leadership) (6th Place), Power Equipment Technology (small engine) (8th Place)
• Kanda Varela … Emblem Ceremony (opening/closing meetings, team – leadership) (6th Place), Chapter Business Procedure (parliamentary team leadership) (6th Place), Motorcycle Technology (Skill) (9th Place)
• Rey Hernandez … Chapter Business Procedure (parliamentary team leadership) (6th Place)

“I would also like to say how much I appreciate everyone who helped us out this year,” Mr. Burkett continued. “Parents, coaches and
teachers (Mrs. Conley, Mr. Martinez, Coach Livingston – to name a few), thank you for sharing the students, working with our schedules, and allowing them to make the practices and competitions”

“Also a big thanks to the administration for your support and encouragement as we worked through the year. Without everyone’s help, these students would not have been successful to the level that they were. I would also like to continue to give all credit and praise to Jesus.  To God be the Glory!!”