Amanda Harper, a junior at Tucker County High School, accepts the first place medal in commercial baking at the West Virginia Skills USA competition.
KINGWOOD – A local high school student took home the gold during the state Skills USA competition in Kingwood. Junior Amanda Harper placed first in the commercial baking competition, and she was also elected as the Skills USA state officer, vice president – a first for the Tucker County Career Center and High School.
The state competitions were held in Morgantown and Kingwood. Also competing were Kelley Wagner, a junior who received the 4th place award in culinary arts; Daniel Gilgenest, a senior who competed in carpentry; and Austin Podak, a ninth grade student who competed in automotive technology.
Culinary students from all across West Virginia demonstrate their craft during the West Virginia Skills USA competition. Four students from Tucker County High School competed in their fields during the event.
Tucker County Career Center Director J.R. Helmick said he was very proud of the students.
“All of our students performed exceptionally well,” Helmick said. “I am proud of each one of them and especially excited about our center having our first Skills USA state officer.”
Helmick said everyone wishes Amanda Harper well as she competes at the National level. That competition is slated for Louisville, Ky. in late June.
Students at the Career Center competed locally prior to the state competition.
“Competitions were held at different dates because of school delays during the inclement weather,” Helmick said. “Normally, they are on the same day, but we were under the gun to get them all in.”
Helmick said he was excited at the level of professionalism displayed by the Tucker County students.
“They are very talented,” Helmick said. “They make us proud, and we are extremely excited of their accomplishments.”
