St. Clair County TEC students made their mark on the national stage last month, with one student earning a fourth-place finish at the SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lucas Bauman, a senior at Memphis High School, earned fourth place in the CNC 5-Axis Milling Programmer competition at the June 23-27 event. Fellow TEC student Allane Stamplis, a senior at St. Clair High School, competed in the Welding Sculpture competition.
Both students earned their spots at nationals by winning their respective competitions at the state level earlier this year.
“What these students accomplished goes beyond the competition results,” said TEC Principal/CTE Director Lesley Murphy. “Lucas and Allane put in months of preparation, often staying after school and coming in on weekends to perfect their skills. Watching them compete alongside the best students in the country was incredible. They have demonstrated what TEC students are capable of.”
TEC instructors Duane Emig and Alecia Klein accompanied students and provided support both before and during the competition.
Students and instructional staff worked countless hours to prepare for and compete in the competition. Students' accomplishments highlight the value of career and technical education in preparing students for the workforce.
The SkillsUSA Championships draw state champions from across the United States to compete in skilled and leadership competitions. The event is considered the premier showcase for career and technical education students nationwide.
TEC’s strong showing at nationals reflects the program’s commitment to hands-on learning and workforce preparation.