Rockford Sun

State Senator Dave Syverson has extended his congratulations to students from the 35th Senate District for their performances at the National Workforce Development Competition.

“I’m incredibly proud of these students for their impressive performances on the national stage. They’re not just bringing home medals; they’re proving the value of hard work, hands-on training, and technical excellence. Programs like SkillsUSA are preparing the next generation of mechanics, entrepreneurs, and skilled tradespeople who will keep our communities running and our economy strong,” said Senator Syverson.

The students earned national recognition by competing against talented career and technical education students nationwide. The competition events included bricklaying, engine repair, hairdressing, among others.

Winners from the 35th District include Mary Schirmer from Marengo Community High School with a bronze in Automotive Refinishing Technology; Aleah Sauder from Waubonsee Community College with a gold in Automotive Refinishing Technology; Joshua Stover from Waubonsee Community College with a gold in Automotive Service Technology; Benjamin Swanson from Waubonsee Community College with a bronze in Collision Damage Appraisal; and Briana Harris, Sarah Pawlus, Kevin Bustamante Fontanel, and Ennis Ballines from Waubonsee Community College who won gold in the Entrepreneurship Team competition.

SkillsUSA programming is supported by a state grant through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program awarded to the Youth Workforce Development Foundation. The organization plans to expand its programming into more schools and communities starting this fall.