Whittier Tech Awarded Over $499,000 State Skills Capital Grant for Automotive Technology and Health Assisting Pathways

pentucketporta on December 14, 2022

HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to announce that Whittier Tech has been awarded a significant grant from the Baker-Polito Administration as part of the administration’s ongoing Skills Capital Grant program. 

Whittier Tech was awarded $499,461 as part of the latest round of funding, which was announced at an event at Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School in Danvers on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

The school will use $235,371 of the grant to purchase equipment for the Automotive Technology pathway to introduce Electrical vehicle training, maintenance and repair. The remaining $264,090 will be spent on equipment upgrades for the Health Assisting pathway, including the addition of an Anatomage Table, which is the most technologically advanced anatomy visualization system available.

“This funding will go a long way in expanding our pathway offerings and supporting our students through innovative means,” Superintendent Lynch said. “At Whittier, we always strive to keep our students up to date on the latest technology, and we are so grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for helping us support this mission.”

Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito were joined at Essex Tech for the announcement by current and former members of the Workforce Skills Cabinet.

Approximately $39 million was awarded to nine organizations to undertake major building construction projects, funded through An Act Relative to Immediate Covid-19 Recovery Needs, passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Baker, which included $100 million in state resources to provide capital improvement grants to vocational high schools and public schools operating career and technical education programs. The second round of grants totals $11.7 million to 38 organizations for technology equipment upgrades, and is funded through the 2018 Economic Development Bill, which established $75 million in Skills Capital Grant funding over five years.

The programs receiving grants as part of this latest round of funding will make strategic investments during the next two years to grow their career technical education programs to provide more learning opportunities for both traditional high school students and adult learners, with several schools expanding their Career Technical Initiative (CTI) programs to offer more learning opportunities in the late-afternoon and evening. Over the next five years, these grant awards will directly impact approximately 10,000 students across 38 programs. 

Since 2015, 538 Skills Capital Grants totaling more than $200 million have been awarded to schools and educational institutions across the Commonwealth, with many organizations receiving multiple grants over the years. The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with local businesses, as well as align curriculum and credentials with industry demand to maximize hiring opportunities in each region of the state. 

“We put $200 million to work, and it has truly been a transformational partnership with the educational institutions, and it is something we are enormously proud of,” Gov. Baker said.

Before the grant announcement, the group spoke with Essex Tech students and toured the ongoing Catherine Larkin Memorial Cottage project. The space will feature historic artifacts from the school’s history and a functioning kitchen to support events. The new building will include an agricultural museum, learning center, and community function space.

Construction trade students are working alongside union tradespeople, gaining valuable real-world experience in their chosen career path.

“To have this experiential learning, to not just read about it, study about it, take a test, but to get up in the trees, to nail those nails into the wood, it’s transformational and eye-opening,” said Rosalin Acosta, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development.

The Skills Capital Grants are awarded by Governor Baker’s Workforce Skills Cabinet, which was created in 2015 to bring together the Secretariats of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, and Housing and Economic Development to align education, economic development, and workforce policies to strategize around how to meet employers’ demand for skilled workers in every region of the Commonwealth.

For more information on the Skills Capital Grant program, click here. 

 

From left: Superintendent Maureen Lynch, Whittier Tech School Committee Chairperson Brett Murphy, Medical Assisting senior and SkillsUSA MA President Jaidyn Craig of Haverhill, and Vocational Coordinator Amanda Crosby. (Courtesy Photo)

Whittier Tech Students Learn on the Job Through Cooperative Education Program

pentucketporta on March 29, 2022

HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch and Vocational Coordinator Paul Moskevitz share the ongoing success of Whittier’s Tech’s Cooperative Education program, which gives students valuable experience in their trade before they graduate.

About 200 of the 314 members of the Senior Class are participating in the co-op program this semester, about 65 percent. Another 75 juniors also are participating.

All students in good standing are eligible to participate starting with Term 3 in their junior year, with approval by their vocational teachers. Students alternate schoolwork with paid employment in their chosen technical field. The students are matched with local businesses, where they learn in-depth from professionals.

“Many of our students have great experiences on their co-op job,” Coordinator Moskevitz said. “They work alongside professionals and can network with co-workers and clients. Some students even find a job waiting for them upon graduation.”

Kaleb Adrien-Moise, a senior Plumbing student from Haverhill, is working as an apprentice plumber with CityWide Plumbing and Heating in North Reading. “Since choosing Whittier Tech I knew that a big part of my high school experience would be cooperative employment,” he said. “Co-op is a great thing because it helps you get on your feet in the industry while you are still in high school.”

DEI Systems in Tewksbury, an electrical contractor, hosts students David Garcia and Chad Smith, both seniors from Haverhill. “It’s a good opportunity that not many high school students have,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to earning money while also earning As, and learning my trade.”

“Cooperative education is a vital part of preparing students for a career after Whittier,” Superintendent Lynch said. “About 140 cooperative employers support our mission, and we are grateful for their assistance in training the next generation of the workforce.”

Parents or students interested in learning more about the Cooperative Education program are asked to visit https://whittiertech.org/coop.

Employers interested in hosting co-op student are asked to contact the Vocational Coordinator’s Office at 978-373-4101, ext. 267, or by emailing pmoskevitz@whittiertech.org.

Whittier Tech Receives State Grant to Expand Marine Service Technology Offerings

pentucketporta on March 17, 2022

HAVERHILL — Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to share that Whittier Tech has received a state grant to expand its day and evening offerings, with the goal of creating a new Marine Service Technology career pathway for high school students.

Whittier Tech has offered Marine Service Technology through its Adult Evening Education Program since last year, supported by Yamaha and the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association. The program has trained three classes of unemployed or underemployed workers for entry-level jobs in a high-demand field.

The state Skills Capital Grant of $181,778 will allow Whittier Tech to purchase a Parker-brand boat, Yamaha-brand WaveRunner, and a Sea-Doo GTR for student learning, Yamaha outboards for student training, and a new ventilation system to proper exhaust for engines.

Whittier Tech has applied to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for approval to create the Marine Service Technology pathway in the day program. If approved, Marine Service Technology will be offered as an exploratory class for incoming ninth graders in the 2022-2023 school year.

Marine Service Technology would be Whitter Tech’s 23rd pathway, among the most offered by any career technical school in the state.

“By expanding our pathways, students will have a greater opportunity to discover their passion and pursue a career in a high-demand, well-paying field,” Vocational Director Amanda Crosby said.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association estimates that the marine industry in Massachusetts employs more than 20,000 workers, and has an economic impact of $4.4 billion. However, the industry is facing a shortage of workers in the state and nationally.

Marine Service Technology night courses will continue in the fall of 2022 using CTI (Career Technical Initiative) grant funding. Training will be available at no cost to individuals who qualify as underemployed or unemployed.

“The Baker-Polito Administration has been incredibly supportive of career technical education, and the Whittier Tech community has benefited as a result,” Superintendent Lynch said. “The night program in Marine Service Technology has been very successful, and we are excited at the opportunity to expand it to even more students.”

Skills Capital Grants are awarded to educational institutions that showcase partnerships with local businesses, and whose curriculum and credentials seek to meet the demand of growing industries in the Commonwealth.

Through its Skills Capital Grants, the Baker-Polito Administration has worked to increase the number of students enrolled in programs where they can learn and train for occupations in high-demand careers. More than 300 educational programs have received financial support from the Skills Capital grant initiative, which has awarded approximately $92 million and is overseen by Gov. Baker’s Workforce Skills Cabinet.

Whittier Tech Student Nominated as U.S. Presidential Scholar

pentucketporta on March 14, 2022

HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to announce that a Whittier Tech student has been nominated as a U.S. Presidential Scholar.

Senior Chloe Simard of Haverhill studies in the Allied Health Program. She carries a 4.22 grade-point average and maintains high honors.

Simard is a member of the National Honor Society with hopes of continuing her education and becoming a pediatric surgeon. She is OSHA certified, a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and certified in CPR, first aid, and basic life support. Simard works at Whittier Rehabilitation Center as a CNA as part of her cooperative education, and volunteers in the children’s unit at the local hospital.

Simard is also a varsity athlete, playing volleyball and lacrosse, and is involved in the Whittier Chess Club.

“Chloe is a dedicated athlete, student and member of our community,” said Whittier Superintendent Maureen Lynch. “She is one of the hardest working students in our senior class. She expects nothing short of excellence in everything she does.”

The U.S. Presidential Scholar Award is given to distinguished high school students across the country. The award is one of the highest honors given to high school students, as only around 3,000 students across the country are nominated per year.

Simard is one of just six career technical education students in Massachusetts nominated this year.

Simard and her fellow nominees were recognized by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) during its general membership meeting in Marlborough on Thursday, March 3.

Jeffrey Riley, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner, presented each student with an award on behalf of the state.

The families of each of the nominees were on hand to celebrate the students’ recognition, and met with Commissioner Riley and MAVA members following the event.

“This is a tremendous day, because what we do on a daily basis and what drives us and what we’re passionate about, is our students,” said MAVA President and Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School District Superintendent Ernest Houle. “We’re lucky any time we get to celebrate our students like this, and we applaud each of them for their years of hard work and dedication. Not only are each of these students academically deserving of this honor, but they are all terrific young men and women who will undoubtedly make significant contributions to their careers and communities moving forward.”

Whittier Tech Students Raising Endangered Blanding’s Turtles

pentucketporta on November 30, 2021

Environmental Club members, from left, Madison O’Neil, Thomas Morris and Aiden Dupre, all of Haverhill, are among club members taking a leading role in the care of the turtles. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to share that Whittier Tech students are raising two baby turtles during this school year through a state program that seeks to protect endangered species.

Pinky and Shelldon are Blanding’s turtles, which live in freshwater and are considered among the most endangered turtles in the Northeast. They arrived at Whittier Tech in October through a program operated by the state Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. The Parker River Clean Water Association in Byfield, supported by grants from the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program and the Mass Environmental Trust, collected hatchlings along the upper Parker River for care.

Pinky and Shelldon live in Science Teacher Ryan Burke’s room in a tank with shallow, clear standing water and abundant aquatic vegetation, replicating their natural habitat. Students clean the tank once every two weeks. Students also record the turtle’s growth and weight, and share data with other participating schools.

In their first month at the school the turtles have grown to 6 millimeters and 10 grams, due to their care and feeding by students and staff.

“They are clearly very comfortable here at Whitter,” said Burke, who is advisor to the Environmental Club, which has taken a leading role in the turtle project.

Pinky and Shelldon will be returned to the state in the spring. They will be released back into the wild where they will be tracked and monitored by the state.

“The turtles have quickly become part of the Whittier community. The students love them,” Superintendent Lynch said. “The real benefit is that our students are seeing how they can take an active role in saving our environment, and in ensuring that an endangered species will grow and eventually thrive.”

 

Whittier Tech Students Collect 7,000 Items in Record-Setting Food Drive

pentucketporta on November 18, 2021

Members of Whittier Tech’s Skills USA group led the School’s annual food drive, setting a record for items collected. From left, Isasis George, Ashlyn Sullivan, Kate Velasquez, Lauren Jiolo, Marisa Behl, Madison Gosse, Myles Rochon, Brogan Arivella, and Jaidyn Craig. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

HAVERHILL — Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to report that the annual Whitter Tech food drive, utilizing the talents of students in multiple pathways, collected a record-breaking amount of food this year.

Whittier Tech’s Skills USA chapter spearheaded this year’s drive, increasing its efforts after learning that food insecurity increased in Massachusetts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Food security is defined as a lack of steady access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle.

The MassINC Polling Group surveyed 10,650 parents and guardians in 14 school districts, most in Gateway Cities, and found that 46% of respondents faced low to very low food security at some point in the pandemic.

Skills USA members began planning the drive with advisors Jane Moskevitz, Bruce Boiselle, and Jonathan Warne in September.

Chapter President Jaidyn Craig, a junior in Medical Assisting from Haverhill, used morning announcements to share facts about food insecurity with fellow students. Maddy Dawkins, a CAD junior from Haverhill, became the student organizer, collecting student donations and shopping for additional food items.

Design and Visual Communications students led by teacher Cate Cashman designed and created the posters placed in every classroom and hallway, with the support of CAD Drafting.

This led to a mini-competition with students in the technology wing. Under the guidance of teacher Bob Beaton, students in Engineering, Electronics/Robotics and CAD created window displays. CAD teachers Scott Robertson and Tristan Belanger introduced the canned food drive to create a sense of pride for the shop.

The Health Assisting team joined in, with teacher Kimberly Malynn creating a tower display of ramen.

CAD students collected 1,890 cans and non-perishable items, averaging 36 items per student. Health Assisting students collected 1,192 items, while Engineering students collected 1,165.

Freshman students in Teri Bragg’s Homeroom 3011 also stepped up to contribute. “I want to make my four years memorable here and help change the world with our experiences and voices,” said Sam Kesten, a freshman from Haverhill.

Whittier students collected 6,973 canned goods and non-perishable items in total.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the Whittier community raising three times the amount of canned goods typical for our school drive,” Craig said.

Collected items will be donated to food pantries in Whittier Tech’s 11 sending communities.

“I am so proud of our students, who were willing to take time out of their day and money out of their pockets to conduct a drive of this size and scope,” Superintendent Lynch said. “This is an excellent example of how they can support their community in ways beyond the trade skills they develop.”

Whittier Tech CAD students collected 1,890 cans and non-perishable items for the food drive, the most of any pathway. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

Whittier Tech Expands Hospitality Program, Creating New Educational Opportunities for Students

pentucketporta on November 15, 2021

HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to share the successful expansion of the Whittier Tech’s Hospitality pathway, which is enhancing real-world job training and opportunities for students upon graduation.

Whittier Tech opened a new coffee café in mid-September, first to faculty, then to the public. The café, which is adjacent to the school’s Poet’s Inn restaurant, includes a bakery case, espresso machine, and point of sales systems to allow students to learn operations for takeout orders.

As part of the initiative, Whittier Tech students are touring local businesses in the hospitality industry to learn about the paths their education can take them.

On their first field trip, students visited Briar Barn Inn in Rowley, a farmhouse inn, restaurant, and spa. Sarah Boucher, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, led Whittier Tech students and staff on a tour including the guest rooms, the wedding venue, the Grove Restaurant, pool, and spa.

The students’ professionalism and high level of engagement impressed the Briar Barn Inn leadership. The Inn now is working with Whittier’s Hospitality Advisory Board to create an unpaid internship for a sophomore in the fourth quarter of the school year.

“One of our main goals at Whittier Tech is to anticipate market needs and prepare our students to fill those emerging jobs,” Superintendent Lynch said. “Hospitality instructors Krizstina Perron and Nicole Grupposo have been working diligently, given projected growth in industry, to provide the most opportunities for our graduates. We are especially grateful for this emerging partnership with Briar Barn Inn, which will be a plus for our students.”

Hospitality students say they are benefiting from these new opportunities.

“I really enjoyed interacting with the people and putting smiles on their faces. As long as the public is happy, I am happy,” said Alannah Noone, a sophomore from Salisbury. “Quarter 1, as a sophomore exploring the Hospitality track, the opportunities for travel, industry choices and interacting with different people are really appealing.”

“I like the experience of helping customers; at the end of the day, I feel happy,” said Jana Vicioso, a sophomore from Haverhill. “I feel proud of the work I did.”

The café is open for breakfast from 8:30-10 a.m., and for lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., except for Wednesdays, weekends, holidays, and during in-school functions. Daily offerings include a “Daily Brew,” weekly pastries, and cold lunch options. Patrons also may order the regular Poet’s Inn menu for hot meals or daily specials.

 

Whittier Tech Shares Information About National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program

pentucketporta on September 17, 2021

HAVERHILL — Superintendent Maureen Lynch wishes to share that Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School will be participating in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program in the 2021-2022 school year.

As part of this program, Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School will offer healthy meals every school day. Whittier is providing free meals to all students under the USDA’s Child Nutrition Programs (Seamless Summer Option).

Children enrolled in the district are eligible for these free meals regardless of eligibility through June 30, 2022. Additional breakfasts will cost $1.75; additional lunches will cost $3.25.

Qualifications for children to receive free or reduced-price meals include belonging to a household whose income is at or below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines; belonging to a household that receives public assistance; or if the child is homeless, migrant, runaway, foster, or participates in a Head Start or Even Start pre-K program.

Household size and income criteria are used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits if the household does not receive assistance or the children are not in the other categories mentioned above. Children can get free or reduced-price meals if the household’s gross income falls at or below the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guideline chart.

To apply for free or reduced-price meals, house­holds can fill out the application and return it to the school unless the household has already received notification that their children are approved for free meals this year.

Application forms are being distributed to all households with a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for their children and what is required to complete on the application. Applications also are avail­able in the Guidance Office, Principal’s Office, Business Office and on the school’s website.

Only one application is required for all children in the household and the information provided on the appli­ca­tion will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. Applications may be verified at any time during the school year by the school or other program officials.

An application for free or reduced-price benefits cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions. In the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability.

Families can apply for benefits at any time. If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the Federal Guidelines. Contact Tammy D’Entremont at any time to request an application.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price policy, the determining officials will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Chris Laganas, Principal, 115 Amesbury Line Road, Haverhill, MA 01830.

When known to Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School households will be notified of their children’s eligibility for free meals if they are members of households receiving assistance from the:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) if the State program meets Federal standards.

An application is not required for free meal benefits for Assistance Program participants and all of the children in the household are eligible for free meal benefits. If any children were not listed on the notice of eligibility, or if a household does not receive a notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school to have free meal benefits extended to them. Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals, but they will need to turn in an application including household size and total income.

When known to Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School households will also be notified of any child’s eligibility for free meals if the individual child is considered “Other Source Categorically Eligible,” because the child is categorized, as defined by law as:

  • Foster
  • Homeless
  • Migrant
  • Runaway
  • Enrolled in an eligible Head Start, or
  • Enrolled in an eligible pre-kindergarten class

If any children were not listed on the notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school about their eligibility through the list above, or should submit an income application.

Households notified of their children’s eligibility must contact the school if the household chooses to decline the benefits.

For more information, you may call Tammy D’Entremont at 978-373-4101, ext. 218, or e-mail at tdentremont@whittiertech.org.

Whittier Tech is an equal opportunity provider.

Merrimac Native, a Whittier Tech Alumnus, Introduces Vice President Harris at Event

pentucketporta on May 6, 2021

Haley Kamberalis, a 2008 graduate of Whittier Tech, introduced Vice President Kamala Harris at an event in Concord, N.H. Before the event, Harris asked Kamberalis how to encourage more women to study the trades. (Photo Courtesy White House Press Office)

HAVERHILL — Superintendent Maureen Lynch is proud to share that a Whittier alumnus had the honor of introducing Vice President Kamala Harris at an event in Concord, N.H.

Haley Kamberalis shared with Vice President Harris her career path from Whittier Tech to her current career with a Maine-based company.

Vice President Harris spoke about the Administration’s American Jobs Plan at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 490 headquarters on Friday, April 23. Local 490 chose Kamberalis, a member, to introduce Harris.

Kamberalis, originally from Merrimac, studied the electrical trades at Whittier Tech and played soccer and softball, graduating in 2008.

“Whittier is the foundation to my career. I learned the basics of electrical which inherently piqued my interest for the trade,” Kamberalis said. “It’s also where I had quality teachers that believed in me.”

Kamberalis has overcome hearing and vision challenges. She told the audience that her five-year apprenticeship with IBEW Local 103 in Boston gave her lifelong work skills and an electrician’s license at age 23. With no school debt she was able to buy her first home at age 26.

Kamberalis, who now lives in Raymond, N.H., advanced in her career and works as an estimator and project manager for E.S. Boulos, based in Westbrook, Maine.

Kamberalis told Harris that technology is causing the electrical trades to evolve and become more welcoming to females.

“There are more opportunities open to us, and I don’t think women are aware,” Kamberalis said.

“A Whittier Tech education opens opportunities. In this case, the opportunity was the chance to meet the Vice President of the United States,” Superintendent Lynch said. “Haley is an incredible ambassador for Whittier, and we are so proud of her.”

“She had a very calming demeanor that made it easy to communicate,” Kamberalis said of the Vice President. “The wall of cameras was intimidating more than anything.”

Watch Kamberalis’s introduction and Vice President Harris’s remarks here.

Whittier Tech Students Place, Qualify for States at District IV SkillsUSA Conference

pentucketporta on April 9, 2021

HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to share that more than 40 Whittier Tech students placed at the District IV SkillsUSA Conference, with 29 qualifying to compete in the statewide conference.

The District IV conference was held on Thursday, March 11. More than 150 Whittier Tech students registered for the competition and participated remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Students who competed in the district competition took a written SkillsUSA employment skills test as well as a written test regarding their trade.

“We are extremely proud of all the students who participated,” Superintendent Lynch. “It has been a trying year for Career Technical Education with students in hybrid or remote learning. But our students have risen to the occasion all year, and at the District competition they showed they have the skills necessary for success in the working world.”

Whittier Tech students who placed in the competition include:

  • Yenice Alejandro Lopez, a senior from Haverhill, and Kate Velazquez, a sophomore from Haverhill, placed second as a team in 3-D Visualization and Animation and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Daniel Kolman, a sophomore from Newburyport, and Gabriel Young, a sophomore from Haverhill, placed third as a team in 3-D Visualization and Animation and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Aaron Bacon, a sophomore from Haverhill, and Liam Dunphy, a senior from Haverhill, placed third as a team in Additive Manufacturing.
  • Tommy Reynoso, a senior from Bradford, placed third in Architectural Drafting.
  • Thomas Volpone, a senior from Newbury, placed first in Cabinetmaking and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Carmen Powers, a junior from Groveland, placed second in Cabinetmaking and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Jesse Manchaca, a junior from Salisbury, placed third in Cabinetmaking.
  • Tyler Shapiro, a senior from Haverhill, placed first in CNC Milling Specialist and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Sedric Miner, a junior from Ipswich, placed third in CNC Milling Specialist.
  • Ryan Link, a junior from Haverhill, placed first in CNC Turning Specialist and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Nora Broadrick, a junior from Amesbury, placed first in Commercial Baking and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Jennalyse Sierra, a sophomore from Haverhill, placed second in Commercial Baking and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Olivia Delisle, a junior from Groveland, placed first in Culinary Arts and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Zoe Meyer, a junior from Haverhill, placed third in Customer Service.
  • Ashleigh Viola, a senior from Haverhill, placed first in Early Childhood Education and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Rachel Christopher, a senior from Merrimac, placed second in Early Childhood Education and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Theodore Thomson, a senior from Amesbury, placed first in Electronics Technology and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • James Gorman, a senior from Newburyport, placed second in Electronics Technology and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Marisa Behl, a sophomore from Georgetown, Kaliah Chernick, a sophomore from Newburyport, Victoria Dawkins, a sophomore from Haverhill, and Shaelin Lombard, a sophomore from Newburyport, placed third as a team in Health Knowledge Bowl.
  • Matthew Livengood, a senior from Salisbury, placed fifth in Masonry and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Rossi Bonjorno, a junior from Ipswich, placed first in Plumbing and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Noel Allen, a junior from Salisbury, placed second in Restaurant Service and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Peter Byran and Justin Doherty, both seniors from Haverhill, placed second as a team in Robotics and Automation Technology.
  • Jackson Bonfiglioli, a junior from Haverhill, placed first in Sheet Metal and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Caleb Metz, a senior from Merrimac, placed second in Sheet Metal and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Emily Silva, a senior from Haverhill, placed third in Sheet Metal and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Benjamin Hussey and Kody Dicredico, both sophomores from Groveland, Damitri Junito Acevedo-Torres, a sophomore from Haverhill, and Malik
    Beslagic, a sophomore from Amesbury, finished third as a team in Team Works.
  • Roberto Bravo, a junior from Haverhill, placed third in Technical Drafting.
  • Caleb Cook, a senior from Haverhill, and Tyler Magowan, a senior from Amesbury, placed first as a team in Urban Search and Rescue and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Luca Lessard and Tyler Wilson, both sophomores from Amesbury, placed second as a team in Urban Search and Rescue.
  • Kai Portella, a sophomore from Haverhill, and Brady Killen, a sophomore from Rowley, placed third as a team in Urban Search and Rescue.
  • Colin Haynes, a senior from Salisbury, placed second in Welding and qualified for the statewide competition.
  • Joseph Zappala, a junior from Haverhill, placed second in Welding Sculpture and qualified for the statewide competition.

SkillsUSA hosted six regional contests for districts across the state this February and March. Students who qualified in their district will move on to compete in the State Leadership & Skills Conference from Thursday, April 29 through Saturday, May 1. This year’s State competition will be a hybrid event. Some students will compete remotely, depending on discipline, while others will compete in-person at Blackstone Valley Tech in Upton.

Students who qualify in the state championship will be eligible to compete in the National Leadership & Skills Conference in June.

SkillsUSA Massachusetts is the state chapter of the national SkillsUSA organization, both of which support students in middle school and beyond who are studying to work in the trade, technical and skilled service fields. To learn more about SkillsUSA Massachusetts, please visit their website here. More information about the national SkillsUSA program can be found here.