Midland College students sweep SkillsUSA district awardsMarch 05, 2020

Midland College (MC) students won a total of 25 medals during the SkillsUSA District 2 competition held in San Angelo on Friday, February 28.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The program helps students excel in leadership, technical and occupationally related skills.

High school students from Lee High School and Midland High School taking Midland College dual credit courses in Automotive, Collision/Refinishing, Diesel and Energy Technology took home nine gold, seven silver and nine bronze medals.

“I am proud of the hard work and dedication of our students who participated in this competition,” said Assistant Professor of Automotive and Diesel Technology Erick Gutierrez. “I look forward to seeing our students compete at the state level.”

Midland College students receiving awards include:

• Billy Wiggins - 1st place in diesel equipment technology, 1st place in automobile maintenance and light repair, 1st place in automotive tool identification, 3rd place in automotive quiz bowl
• Arnulfo Natividad - 1st place in automotive service technology, 2nd place in automobile maintenance and light repair, 3rd place in automotive quiz bowl
• Jonathan Garcia - 2nd place in diesel equipment technology, 3rd place in automobile maintenance and light repair, 3rd place in automotive quiz bowl
• Alberto Gonzalez - 3rd place in diesel equipment technology, 3rd place in automotive quiz bowl
• Uriel Robles - 1st place in automotive refinishing, 1st place in collision appraisal
• Jordan Galvaldon - 2nd place in automotive refinishing, 3rd place in collision appraisal
• Yoali Villa - 2nd place in collision appraisal
• Ruben Galindo - 1st place in collision repair
• Job Cabral - 3rd place in collision repair
• Jerimiah Null - 1st place in mechatronics
• Juan Padilla - 1st place in mechatronics, 2nd place in automotive tool identification
• Manuel Ortega - 2nd place in mechatronics, 3rd place in automotive tool identification
• Alexander Velasco - 2nd place in mechatronics

Pictured (left to right) are Matt Batista, John Deere corporate instructor and contest host/judge; student winners Alberto Gonzalez, Billy Wiggins and Jonathan Garcia; and Erick Gutierrez, Midland College assistant professor of Automotive and Diesel Technology.