SkillsUSA holds annual Sponsor Recognition Dinner
Left Eli Lewis Right, Ryan Phillips.
–SkillsUSA held its 15th Annual Sponsor Recognition Dinner at the Paso Robles Culinary Arts Academy Thursday night. State medal winners served those who attended the event. The delictions steak dinner was prepared by students at the Culinary Arts Academy.
Dennis Peters, Randy Canaday, Jeff Lemkuhl.
Randy Canaday recognized sponsors who had contributed $250 to $1000 to SkillsUSA. They included a wide cross section of Paso Robles residents, tradesmen, business people, educators, alumni and supportive residents. Dr. Eugene Miller, a retired chemist and businessman, donated $10,000 to the program.
In mid-June, ten SkillUSA competitiors will travel to Louisville, Kentucky for the National SkillsUSA Championships. To qualify, they had to win at the state championship held recently in San Diego. Mason Steiner will make his third trip to the nationals. Last year, he placed second in plumbing. Two years ago, Steiner placed third. Iver Hanson competes in welding. Iver has won every competition he’s entered this year, including the California SkillsUSA and FFA Championships. Others are competing in events like early childhood education, cabinet making and welding scuplture.
Keynote speaker at the event Thursday night was Daniel Lemkuhl, who won the national championship in automotive repair several years ago. He also placed second in the world in Brazil, although the contest was conducted in Portuguese, which he doesn’t speak. Lemkuhl was Service and Parts Manager at a San Luis Obispo Mercedes Dealership, but recently joined some other San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly alumni to start a new company called InjectorsDirect.com.
Canaday says the support of local trades people like Dennis Peters (plumbing) has helped Paso Robles High School develop one of the strongest programs in California.
