Polaris Career Center -

Ten students recently competed at the SkillsUSA state competition in Columbus. SkillsUSA allows students to showcase their skills and abilities in specific career-technical training areas. This year, hundreds of students from around Ohio competed in dozens of different events. Two Polaris students took home first-place honors and qualified to compete at nationals in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 24-28, 2024.

Polaris Precision CNC Machining senior, Collin Lofgren, Strongsville High School, finished first in CNC Milling. In this competition, students are evaluated on their ability to independently plan and program jobs for CNC (Computer Numerical Control) turning centers and provide instructions for operators to execute. Competitors program parts and generate code using CAM software, troubleshoot programming errors, interpret prints, measure/gauge parts and demonstrate their theoretical knowledge of CNC turning center configuration, setup and operation.

Anthony Petito, a Polaris Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration senior from Strongsville High School, also took first in his event, Sheet Metal. In this challenge, competitors are evaluated on their ability to connect sheet metal pieces with drive cleats, spot welding and riveting. Skills tested may include, but are not limited to, straight duct, transition fitting and 45-degree entry tap fitting. Professional sheet metal workers judge competitors on their use of hand tools, correctness of layout and shop safety procedures. Competitors are judged on their accuracy, completeness and craftsmanship.

In addition, we had three students place in the top three in their events. Nick Lewis, a Precision CNC Machining senior from North Olmsted High School, finished second in CNC Turning. Julia Welsh and Lynda Stricko, both Strongsville seniors in EMT/Fire Training, placed third in the EMT competition.

Click HERE to view all our competitors and how they placed in their events.

Congratulations to our state champs and good luck in Atlanta!