Four Oakville High School students who are in the South Tech Program medaled at Districts in their SkillsUSA competition, this past February. Anh Dang (12), Tatiana Ponevilai (12), Alicia Vogt (12), and Sham Qattan (12) all medaled. 

“ I got tested on how well I share the idea of no limits under seven minutes [as a speech]…For my second competition, I got tested on how well I comprehend the terminology in the medical field [a test],” Dang said. 

Others had similar testing methods such as demonstrating a job demo, like how to place a sealant for dental students like Ponevilai. 

She said, “It went very smoothly and I was able to place second.”

The state competition takes place on April 4, and consists of the top three competitors from each district competition, making it much more competitive than districts.

“It looks intimidating,” Vogt said.

All of these students put in a lot of effort and preparation to be able to do so well and medal at this district competition. 

“I created an outline and poster board and I would practice my demonstration at home and at school,” Vogt said.

Other students used things such as quizlet and presenting in front of their South Tech Instructors to practice. 

“I hope that the skills I learned throughout the years stick with me so that I can get a job in an office later on…I’ve gotten to learn about different procedures, materials, and equipment that go along with it,” Ponevaili said.

All of the students say that not only the skills they demonstrated or presented about in the SkillsUSA competition helped them, but so many other skills throughout their time at South Tech helped them for the future.

“I would love to carry on all of the skills I learned about Dental Assisting and put it towards my future dental career,” Vogt said.