Kish places in national SkillsUSA competition

BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio- Jason Kish, a recent graduate of Ohio Hi-Point’s Architectural and Mechanical Design Program and Marysville High School, placed 7th out of 47 contestants in the Architectural Drafting contest during the national SkillsUSA competitions in Kansas City in June.

The SkillsUSA competition is part of the annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), which took place June 19 – June 24, 2011, with the day of competition on June 23.  With 94 different categorical competitions, SkillsUSA showcased the top career and technical students in the nation.

Kish advanced to nationals in Architectural Drafting; representing the state of Ohio, after placing first at both the regional and state levels. This was Kish’s first time competing.

“I didn’t know what to expect when I went to regional’s, but I did my best and placed first.  When I advanced to the state level I worked on improving my skills that had a low score and earned first place again. From there I took my score and prepared as best I could for nationals because you don’t know what the situation will be like when you’re tested.”

At nationals, the Architectural Drafting competition challenged the 47 contestants to solve an architectural problem, which included a written test, a hand sketch and drawings. “I was nervous, but I was excited to be there. My goal was to place in the top ten,” said Kish.

After a long, eight-hour day of testing, Kish succeeded in his goal and placed 7th for his architectural solution. “There’s so much work that goes into it. Nationals was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done and to represent the state of Ohio and place 7th in the nation was very rewarding.”

 “This is incredible for our first national competition,” said Arthur E. Spragen, Kish’s Architectural and Mechanical Design instructor at Ohio Hi-Point. “He was outstanding in the Architectural and Mechanical Design Program at Hi-Point and I knew he would do well in the challenge. I have no doubt he will excel in the field.”

Ohio Hi-Point Superintendent Kim Davis also congratulated Kish. “We are very proud of Jason’s accomplishments. What a fantastic experience for him to showcase the skills he’s acquired through the program here at Ohio Hi-Point on the national level and perform to such a high standard. It’s very exciting.”

Kish will take his experience and skills to Clark State Community College in the fall and plans to transfer to the University of Cincinnati and obtain his Masters in architecture.

When asked to give words of wisdom to future students, Kish says, “Don’t let your education stop at what the instructors teach you, learn things yourself and go beyond the requirements. That’s what employers are going to bank on; that you can learn things yourself.”

Kish will continue to follow that concept as he begins the next stage of his career.

 

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