SKILLS USA COMPETITION 2005

On March 15, 2005 the following Aviation Technology II high school students competed in the Skills USA competition. This competition included both a hands-on and an oral exam that was setup and judged by Continental Express. Andrew Fredette, Eric Seaton, James (Matt) Stembridge, Joshua Trombly, Zachery Williams, Michael Leonard and Steve Ward put their skills and knowledge on the line. Joshua Bouffard, Matt Diagneault, Mike Diagneault, Justin Parrow and Dave Lavery, students in the BTC post secondary Aviation program also took part in the competition. At BTC we recognize all of these students as winners but the Skills USA regulations state that we must chose the top three in both areas. The winners for the secondary competition were, Joshua Trombly-Gold Medal, Zachery Williams-Silver Medal and James (Matt) Stembridge-Bronze Medal. At the post secondary level the medalists were Dave Lavery-Gold Medal, Joshua Bouffard-Silver Medal and Matt Diagneault-Bronze Medal. Congratulations to all. The two gold medal winners will travel to Kansas City to compete in the national Skills USA competition. Look out Kansas because again this year Vermont Aviation is going to be a force to be reckoned with.

BTC offers high school students the opportunity to complete the general portion of the A & P Certification. The program exceeds the requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) part 147. After students graduate from high school they have the opportunity to continue working toward their certification by completing the airframe and powerplant segments at BTC's airport facility.

The 2005 Skills USA Auto Body competition was held at Rotunda's Auto Body and organized by several members of the Vermont Auto Body Association. The VABA began running the competition two years ago and once again put on a very professional competition.

BTC had two medallists with Chris Pugh, an adult student from CVU brining home the gold and Bobby Savage from CHS earning a bronze medal. Scott Metivier and Zach DeCell also competed and we are proud of their efforts. Chris Pugh and instructor, Ed Companion, will be traveling to the nationals in June in Kansas City, Missouri. Good luck and thank you again to Rotunda's and the folks from the VABA for another outstanding event.