KCCC Students Win First Place at SkillsUSA State Competition to Earn Trip to Nationals

Mount Vernon, OH – The SkillsUSA State Competition was held in Columbus, Ohio on
April 25th & 26th.

The SkillsUSA State Competition brings over 5,000 competitors, business and industry
partners, instructors, and vendors together in over 100 contests in all 16 Career Pathways to
showcase Career and Technical Education in Ohio.

Jack Fowler, senior in KCCC’s Automotive Technology program, won first place in the
Automotive Service Technology competition. Max Payne, senior in KCCC’s Precision Machining
program, won first place in the CNC Turning competition. Fowler and Payne, with the first place
finishes, qualified for the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, which will take
place June 19-23 in Atlanta, GA.

“It was a fun experience. I was excited about winning first place. The experience last
year really helped me prepare for the competition this year,” said Fowler.
Fowler added, “I won a scholarship, Snap-On tools, and I get to go to Atlanta, Georgia
for SkillsUSA Nationals. I’m looking forward to it. I’d like to thank my parents, Mr. McDaniel, and
God for everything.”

Don McDaniel, KCCC’s Automotive Technology instructor, praised Fowler’s efforts in the
state competition. “Jack Fowler is a true inspiration. His hard work, dedication, and desire to
succeed are second to none. These qualities are what carried him to 1st place in the State,”
commented McDaniel.

McDaniel added, “Jack not only demands excellence from himself. He makes everyone
around him better.”
“This was a prestigious event. It was neat getting to see all of the competitions that were
going on. I had a fun time,” said Payne.
Payne added, “I was in shock when I won, but excited. I’m very grateful to have this
opportunity.”

Joe LaFevre, KCCC’s Precision Machining instructor, lauded Payne’s feat. “Max has
been an honor to teach and watch grow. He’s a fierce competitor, an excellent student, and
always works very hard at everything, even when his plate is full,” said LaFevre.
LaFevre concluded, “There is no quit in Max, and that is a trait everyone should strive for
in all facets of life. I look forward to watching him compete in CNC Turning at the national level
as well as grow in his career and in his life. I am always rooting for you, Max!”