DOWNEY – Warren High School students won two gold medals and six silver medals at the SkillsUSA competition last week in San Diego, a competition that tests students in real-world skills such as robotics and construction. Warren High’s team of Sam Kim and Dan Tejada won gold in Mobile Robotics, beating out Paso Robles, Modesto and Corona.

Thomas Ascanio brought home a gold in Culinary Arts, the first time Warren High has won a gold medal in that category.

The three students will now travel to Kansas City in June to compete in the national competition.

Warren High students also earned a half dozen silver medals, including Jennifer Ilaqui, who won in Masonry and was the only female in the competition.

Joseline Dubon medaled in Extemporaneous Speaking, the first time Warren competed in the category. Jerry Regan and Jorge Negrete brought home the silver in 3D Animation, also a first year competition as last year Warren competed in 2D Animation.

Christian Saldivar and Vincent DeJesus were silver medalists in Mobile Robotics, almost making it a sweep for Warren.

Nicolas Rizzo, Shawn Sandburg, Noah Osman and Isaac Lopez earned silver in Teamworks, demonstrating their ability to work as a team using carpentry, electrical, plumbing and masonry skills.

Finally, a silver medal was taken home by Ivan Hinojosa for Job Demonstration Open. Contestants in this category demonstrated and explained an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training. Ivan demonstrated his considerable skill in 2D animation.

In all, Warren High had more than 60 students and 11 instructors attend the state competition. In addition to competing, it is also a good networking opportunity for students, where they meet potential future employers such as Google, Lowe’s, 3M, State Farm and others.

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Published: May 8, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 04