Fifteen Joliet Central High School students and four Joliet West High School students placed in the Illinois SkillsUSA Qualifying Event on February 21, advancing to the State Competition on April 27-29 in Peoria.  Over 3,000 students across the state of Illinois participated in the Qualifying Event, which included a 50-question career readiness assessment designed to recognize excellence and professionalism in the competitor’s respective career field.

Joliet Central Qualifying Event placers in Technical Drafting are Diego Gutierrez, 7^th place; Alexandra Widlak , 11^th place; Diego Vazquez 19^th place; Heidy Ortiz, 20^th; David Gonzalez, 27^th place; Brandon Perez, 31^st place; Maximiliano Alvarez, 34^th place; Emilio Mercado 38^th place; Ozziel Lara, 40^th place; Brian Baron, 46^th place; Gabriel Rodriguez, 47^th place; and Leo Smith, 50^th place.

The Joliet Central Qualifying Event placer in welding is Sai Aguirre, 21^st place; and Santiago Navarro placed 21^st in Photography. The instructor is Benjamin Deuerling.

Joliet West’s Edgar Perez advanced in the Electronic Technology category, placing 2^nd by completing two industry-standard written knowledge tests in certified electronics technology and customer service and a skill performance exam that assessed circuit construction, soldering, and circuit/system troubleshooting.

Also placing from Joliet West are Maya Guerrero, (Interior Design), 7^th place; Alyssa Lopez, (Nail Care), 11^th place; and Olayemi Orukotan, (Computer Programming), 17^th place. The instructor is Ryann Hager, and the nominating teachers are John Barber and Elise Cochran.

SkillsUSA is a non-profit national education association that brings together students, teachers, and industry leaders to ensure America has a skilled workforce and to help each student excel. The organization serves middle-school, high-school, and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations.

Mr. Submarine Fundraiser - April 3
Help the JTHS state qualifiers with travel expenses!  On Monday, April 3 Mr. Submarine is providing the District with 20 percent of their sales for lunch and dinner if customers say they are there for the Joliet West SkillsUSA fundraiser.