Lewis and Clark Tech School participated in Skills USA on Feb. 12. Skills USA is a way for students to compete against others who have been learning similar things as them in their tech classes. Competitive events ranged from 100 question tests to written competitions to hands on events. Multiple different fields from the tech school competed, such as Early Childhood Careers and Health Occupations. In most events, only three students advanced to State Competition. Lewis and Clark had a total of 30 members advance to State Competition.

“Competing looks good on applications, and there are opportunities for scholarships,” senior Danielle Whitehead said.

Several members from FHN advanced on to State Competition. State Competition is to be held on March 31 through April 2 in Jefferson City. Competition was optional, and there were events available to all 15 classes offered at Lewis and Clark.

“I was proud of my school and happy that a good amount of people advanced to state,” senior Abby Rapplean said. “It was good to see all the things we’ve learned be put to use.”

Seniors Rapplean and Jenna Rodriguez advanced to State Competition in the testing category. They will be taking a second test at State Competition that is more difficult than the original. To prepare for State, they will be studying the content and notes they’ve learned over the past few months as well as taking quizzes on Quizlet. They can also reread the harder chapters of their book to refresh their memory before the test. Rodriguez placed third in her category, and her category ends at the state level. Rapplean’s category automatically advanced to State. Some categories carry on to Nationals Competition in Louisville, Kentucky on June 20 through June 24.

“I was really surprised when I heard my name called because I didn’t expect to place,” Rodriguez said. “I thought the test was easy when I took it, but I figured there were people who did better than me.”