Akira Smith of Cassadaga is pictured competing in the Cosmetology competition at the Area 1 NY SkillsUSA Regional Competition at Alfred State.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed how several school-related functions operate. For students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs, the absence of an in-person SkillsUSA competition was a challenge.

Following a two-year hiatus, students enrolled in Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus CTE programs were able to return to Alfred State to compete in the Area 1 NY SkillsUSA Regional Competition.

“Making this trip to Alfred with students eager to showcase their talent is always a highlight of the year,” said James Rozewski, Auto Body instructor and SkillsUSA advisor for the LoGuidice Educational Center. “The event was canceled in 2020, and in 2021 some of the competitions were moved to virtual submissions, but it wasn’t the same. Students enjoyed competing side-by-side with their peers this year.”

Twenty-five students competed in a variety of competitions, ranging from Health Knowledge Bowl and Welding to Culinary Arts and Construction.

“First we had to do a 90-degree haircut, then a blowdry style to a picture, and then a general up-do,” said Akira Smith of Cassadaga, who competed in the Cosmetology competition and has plans to attend the Aveda Institute of Cosmetology in Georgia. “It was a good competition. I learned a lot.”

Four students earned awards during the event, including Samantha Reale of Frewsburg, who placed second in the CPR/First-Aid event; Emma Dorman of Southwestern, who placed third in the Commercial Baking event; Katelyn Bean of Frewsburg, who placed first in the Job Demonstration A event; and Liberty Griffith, of Orchard Park, who placed first in the Animal Careers event.

“Samantha was required to display hands-on skills and take a written test for her competition. She recently completed an EMT course in her Health Careers class and is now certified as a New York State EMT-B,” said Seth Shields, Small Animal Science instructor and SkillsUSA advisor for the Hewes Educational Center. “Emma and Katelyn are both members of the National Technical Honor Society and have plans on enrolling in post-secondary education. Emma will attend Niagara County Community College for Baking and Pastry Arts, and Katelyn plans to attend Hilbert College for Business Administration. The SkillsUSA competition is yet another way for our students to reinforce their love for their fields of study.”

Students who competed attend CTE programs at the Ormsby Educational Center in East Aurora, LoGuidice Educational Center in Fredonia, and the Hewes Educational Center in Ashville. Competitors included: Rayn Karges of Bemus Point; Adam Pfleuger and Makayla Brisley of Brocton; Akira Smith of Cassadaga; Gavin Segovia and Isaac Irizarry of Chautauqua Lake; Sophia Benzin and Sage McDowell of East Aurora; Mary Dunn of Forestville; Katelyn Bean, Samantha Reale and Scottlyn Pigman of Frewsburg; Ashley St. George of Gowanda; Shane Peter of Iroquois; Rhonda Sue Leonard of Jamestown; Nicole Burkett of North Collins; Liberty Griffith and Elizabeth Kondol of Orchard Park; Conner Burham of Panama; Savanna Majewski of Sherman; Brooklyn Karcz of Silver Creek; William Cross and Emma Dorman of Southwestern; Hunter Keem of Springville; and Collin Hoffman of Westfield.

Several students will be attending the SkillsUSA New York State competition held at the NYS Fair Grounds in Syracuse, April 27-29.