Northeast Metro Tech Students Excel in SkillsUSA

WAKEFIELD — Superintendent David DiBarri is pleased to report that several Northeast Metro Tech students recently won gold and silver medals in SkillsUSA competition.

SkillsUSA is a national organization focused on preparing high school and college students for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. It provides students with opportunities to develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication and problem solving through various competitions, leadership conferences and community service activities.

In the competitions, students showcase their skills and knowledge in specific occupational fields, from construction, automotive technology and welding to healthcare, culinary arts and robotics. These competitions often reflect real-world scenarios that students may encounter in their future careers.

Northeast Metro Tech students recently competed in the SkillsUSA state competition in Marlborough.

Amanda Andrade, from Chelsea, won a gold medal in medical mathematics, demonstrating her proficiency in applying mathematical concepts to healthcare scenarios.

Matthew McGowan of Revere won a gold medal in residential and commercial appliance repair, showing his mastery in troubleshooting and repairing appliances commonly found in homes and businesses.

Dylan Bichara, of Wakefield, and Steven Romero Hernandez, of Chelsea, won gold medals in Robotics and Automation Technology, demonstrating their excellence in designing, programming and operating robotic systems.

All four students will now advance to the SkillsUSA National Championships in Atlanta June 24-28.

“It is so amazing to see students excited about their technology career field and proud of their skills. The camaraderie between the schools, even though it’s a competition, is great to see,” said instructor Johanna LaFauci.

“Our students know they are involved in something special,” said instructor Erin Selvitella. “They have smiles on their faces the entire conference.”

“It gives me a sense of responsibility. It pushes me to do my best and want to compete again next year,” said student Angela De Andrade.

Silver medal winners include:

• Junior Stefany Calderon Bedoya, of Revere, dental assistant
• Junior Gabriella Ramos, of Malden, dental assistant
• Junior Isabelly Rodriguez Jesuina, of Revere, dental nursing
• Junior Emma McCormick, of Winthrop, dental nursing
• Junior Sarah Jean, of Malden, dental assistant
• Junior Anthony Morales, of Malden, dental nursing
• Junior Rhys McDowell, of Wakefield, dental nursing
• Junior Graham Roberts, of Melrose, Automotive Service Technology

“This is a remarkable accomplishment for these students as it gives them the opportunity to compete on a bigger stage and further demonstrate their skills at the national level,” Superintendent DiBarri said. “It also gives them a chance to network with industry professionals and can open doors to future career opportunities.”