Jonesboro - Several NEACTC students competed at Skills USA Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, the final week of June. Instructors Dan West, (Engineering & Production Lab), Chase Smith (Robotics & Automation Technology), Jeff Smith (Automotive Collision Technology) and Raelyne Massey (Hospitality), joined eight NEACTC students who were state champion winners at Skills USA state competition at Hot Springs in April. The NEACTC team competing in Automated Manufacturing, Donovan Stockdale, Ethan Webb and Joseph Velasquez finished fourth in the nation. These graduating seniors are now enrolled in post-secondary engineering and machining programs. Donovan is attending the University of Tennessee while both Ethan and Joseph are enrolled closer to home at ASUN. Byron Koster also represented the Engineering Design & Production Lab program of study by competing in CNC Turning. Byron has enrolled at Williams Baptist College. Other students representing NEACTC at nationals included Christopher Yarch in Information Technology, Charles Mabry and Emrie Nelson in Mechatronics. Charles is playing college football in Texas and studying Industrial Technology - Mechatronics while Emrie is a Junior enrolled in Welding Technology. Chandler Allison competed for the second year in Collision Repair Technology. Austin Bennett also competed in Collision Repair Technology. Chandler continues to work in his field of study as well while employed at Stadium Auto Body Midtown in Jonesboro. Austin is a Junior enrolled in Auto Collision at NEACTC. Two additional students qualified for national Skills competition but previous family vacation plans kept Cade Isom and Zach Jestings from competing in Additive Manufacturing in Louisville. Warren Poff also won state competition in Automotive Service as Auto Parts Specialist but was unable to advance since there is not a parts specialist competition at Skills USA nationals.
It was quite a successful year for students at NEACTC. We are extremely proud of their dedication and expect continued success from these future leaders. Congratulations and best wishes for the future!