The DeKalb County Technology Center recently held its local SkillsUSA Masonry Competition. SkillsUSA is a national organization for students enrolled in career technical education and health occupational programs.
Students from high schools throughout DeKalb County competed in the four-hour event. They all hoped to secure a top-three finish to represent the masonry program at the State SkillsUSA masonry competition on April 25th-27th in Birmingham, Alabama.
There were two divisions in which students could compete. The second-year students competed against one another in one contest, and the first-year students competed in the other. The first, second, and third place winners in each division will advance to the state competition.
The contest judges were members of the masonry advisory committee. They all have diverse backgrounds in the masonry trade.
The faculty, staff, and administration at the DeKalb County Technology Center are very proud of their students’ accomplishments. They are especially proud of Gracie Thomas from Collinsville for her first-place finish in first-year masonry.
The Technology Center opened in 1974, and Gracie is the first female student in masonry to ever win this contest and advance to state. We are looking forward to our winners representing our school at the State and National levels. We want to thank our judges and business and industry partners for their help to make this competition possible.
Back row L-R: Michael Sapp, judge; Nicky Sapp, judge; Rod Phillips, judge; Vince Wright, judge; Jake Freeman, judge; Blake Earl, judge. Middle row L-R: Scott Phillips, DCTC Masonry Instructor; Lane Sansom-1st place, Sylvania; Gerardo Bautista- 2nd Place, Sylvania; Brice Mayes- 3rd place, Fyffe; Zack Lacy- participant, Sylvania; Ethan Meadows- participant, Sylvania; Jesus Juan- mason helper, Crossville. Front row L-R: Gracie Thomas- 1st place (1st year), Collinsville; Yosmer Mendez-3rd place (1sy year), Crossville; Ian Hicks- participant (1st year), Ider; Matthew Wooten- participant (1st year), Sylvania; John Morgan- participant (1st year), Crossville. Not pictured: Caleb Causey- 2nd place (1st year), CrossvilleMountain Valley News (MVN) is your trusted source for weekly hometown news, serving the vibrant communities of DeKalb and Jackson Counties in the heart of Alabama. We're here to bring you the latest stories, events, and happenings, all available conveniently both online and in print.
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