[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 173 (Monday, November 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE 2011 WORLDSKILLS PARTICIPANTS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
SkillsUSA World Skills Team for their success in the 2011 WorldSkills 
competition in London, winning four medals, and their overall 
dedication to improving their vocational training.
  SkillsUSA began in 1965 as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of 
America, an organization founded by teachers and students to promote 
increased leadership training in their various vocational fields. The 
participants in SkillsUSA are high school graduates who have taken the 
initiative to improve their capabilities in their chosen field. The 
technical expertise and leadership qualities they learn not only better 
prepare them to succeed individually; they also enable the participants 
to impart that knowledge and skill-set to their classmates and 
coworkers.
  Seventeen participants represented America in the 2011 WorldSkills 
competition in a variety of skills: Cameron McCreery competed in 
Autobody Repair. Daniel Lehmkuhl competed in Automobile Technology and 
received a Medallion for Excellence. Raychel Bland competed in Beauty 
Therapy. Bradley Wright competed in Bricklaying. Brett Ottinger 
competed in Cabinetmaking. Joseph King competed in Computer Numerical 
Control Milling. Maxwell Hershey competed in Computer Numerical Control 
Turning. Rachel Koppelman competed in Cooking and received a Medallion 
for Excellence. Victoria Brown competed in Graphic Design. Laina Call 
competed in Hairdressing and received a Medallion for Excellence. 
Matthew Vicari competed in IT/PC Networking. Ryan Spinden competed in 
Plumbing. Ben Phillips competed in Printing. John Huhn competed in 
Refrigeration. Melissa Rubincan competed in Restaurant Service. Brett 
Patterson competed in Web Design. Bradley Clink competed in Welding and 
received the Silver medal.
  Mr. Speaker, the participants in SkillsUSA embody the American worker 
at his and her best--proactively seeking innovation and improvement. I 
ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the SkillsUSA 
WorldTeam 2011 in their accomplishments both during this year's 
competition, and throughout their vocational careers.

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