On February 19-20, the SkillsUSA District Competition for District 10 was held at Texas State Technical College in Waco.  The slogan for SkillsUSA is “Champions at Work,” and that is exactly what the Brownwood High School Building Trades students are –  champions in the trades and skills they have learned in the classroom and shop at Brownwood High School.

Bringing home the gold were Cecilio Chavarria in plumbing and Christopher Bryant in masonry.  Both young men will be advancing to the State Competition later this spring representing District 10.  Blue Ribbon winners in carpentry were Carlos Gamez for a night stand, Justin Matthews for a cabin chair, and Jacob Bryant, Wesley Bryant and Christopher Bryant for a patio bench.  All of these students will be advancing to State as well.

Gold medal winner, Cecilio Chavarria is a senior, but this is his first year to compete in plumbing.  After graduating, he plans on enrolling in TSTC’s welding or plumbing program.  When asked how it feels to be the top plumber in the District, he said, “It feels great; like I accomplished something great that not a lot of people can do.” Cecilio also said competing and winning has built his confidence.

Classmate, and fellow gold medal winner, Christopher Bryant, echoed Cecilio’s comments.  “SkillsUSA builds a lot of character and confidence.  Winning helps a lot, and it will be good for my future career.”  Christopher is a sophomore, but is already considering a career in masonry.  “Brick laying is a beautiful trade,” he said.  “I can go pretty much anywhere and have a job.”

“I am so proud of our students,” said instructor, Danny Valdez.  “These kids are learning career skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.”  Whether for a profession or for personal use, students in Brownwood High School’s Building Trades and Construction Career Pathway are gaining valuable knowledge and experience.  “I don’t think people realize everything our students do,” commented Mr. Valdez.  “It’s not just working in the shop.”  Students in the SkillsUSA competition not only construct a project, but they also create a manual, which can be up to 30 pages.  The project manual consists of plans drawn by the student, supply invoices, photos of the construction  phases, and a written essay regarding the job.  Students have even incorporated technology into the shop by using their Mac laptops to take photos, build the project manuals and call local merchants about costs.