Donations help Elk Grove students head to SkillsUSA competition

Three Elk Grove High School students are headed to a national automated manufacturing technology competition, thanks in large part to donations from local businesses and trade organizations.

Peter Barts, Chris Gostkowski and Tommy Jarosz won the SkillsUSA state title in Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Programming in April, the first team in Elk Grove High School history to do so.

Upon hearing the news, Ryan Wiegel of Wiegel Tool Works, Precision Metalforming Association, Midaco and Golden Corridor Advanced Manufacturing Partnership/Diemasters contacted the school and contributed $2,500 to the team.

"Without these donations, we would not have been able to compete at the national competition," said Bill Merchantz, an Elk Grove High School teacher and the team's adviser.

"The generosity shown by our Elk Grove businesses and partners is what is making the difference for us."

The three businesses and organizations belong to Elk Grove's advisory board. The donations will cover the students' registration fees and lodging.

SkillsUSA is a national organization serving students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, and for furthering their education.

At the state competition in Springfield, the Elk Grove students used software and machines to design, program and build metal parts that were judged by industry professionals.

The SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Championships Conference will be June 22-26 in Louisville, Kentucky.

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