Assabet Valley Regional students earn Gold, Bronze medals

Marlborough - Once again, a senior student in the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School (AVRTHS) HVAC and major appliance repair program brought home a Gold Medal from the National SkillsUSA competition in Kansas City, Mo.

SkillsUSA, formerly known as Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA), is an organization formed as a showcase for vocational and technical students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in their own technical field. Judging takes place in each category, with specific parameters and guidelines examined carefully by panels of experts in the field.

Jonathan McNabb, from Marlborough, earned his medal in Major Appliance Technology, under the instruction of Ron Rogers, who himself graduated from the school's appliance repair program.

In addition, Caitlin Hutchinson, of Clinton, earned a Bronze Medal in Health Occupations Professional Portfolio. Two other AVRTHS students traveled to the competition as part of the state officer's contingency. Kate Diaz, from Clinton, was the state reporter, and Chris Tisdell, from Shrewsbury, traveled as an officer-elect.

The SkillsUSA advisers for the 2006-2007 school year were Steve Yurek and Jacqui Forstrom.