March 28, 2024

Eight SWCC students competing nationally

More than 6,500 students from all over the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are headed to the Skills USA National Championship in Atlanta, Georgia.

SkillsUSA serves middle school, high school and college students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.The SkillsUSA Championships are competitive events showcasing the best career and technical education students in the nation. Students from Iowa’s 15 community colleges competed in more than 70 contests in April.

Southwestern Community College (SWCC) sent 16 students that competed in nine events at the state-level. To qualify for nationals, ONE must win a state title. SWCC had eight students take home the state title. They will compete in Atlanta this week.

Tyson Smith of Creston will be competing in the secondary division in carpentry and building trades. He is enrolled as a full-time carpentry student for the fall 2022 semester.

Osten Blevins of Osceola will be competing in the secondary division in electrical construction wiring. He is enrolled as a full-time electrical student for the fall 2022 semester.

Nate Purdy of Lorimor will be competing in the post-secondary division in electrical construction wiring. He will graduate June 24 with an associates of applied science degree in electrical engineering.

Brandon Raasch of Fontanelle will be competing in the secondary division in automotive refinishing technology. He is enrolled in the auto career academy for fall of 2022.

Aiden Evans of Creston will be competing in the secondary division in welding sculpture. He is enrolled as a full-time welding student for the fall 2022 semester.

Dylan Swaney of Bedford, Cole Leuenberg of Waverly, Nebraska, and Seth Varellas of Riverton, will be competing in the post-secondary division in welding fabrication team.

SWCC instructors are: Jeff Magneson, auto collision repair/refinish; Ron Utley and Kyle Harvey, carpentry and building trades; Jon Oswald, electrical technology; and Micah Elefson, welding technology.