Forty-five students departed Warren County Technical School at 5:30 a.m. and didn’t return until after 10 p.m., but the long day paid off: they took home 36 medals from the annual New Jersey SkillsUSA Championships.

Held at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset on April 16, 2,000 students from vocational and technical schools from across the state presented to a panel of judges that demonstrated knowledge of their careers and vocations. They were required to use tools they specifically created and designed, such as models and working prototypes. They also had to prepare written and visual aids, have effective public speaking skills, and offer detailed progress reports documenting work for all phases of the project.

Students worked individually and in groups to compete against the clock as well as contenders from other schools and academies.

Thirty-six Warren Tech students were awarded medals at the official awards ceremony that evening. Fifteen gold medalists will head to Louisville, Kentucky, for the national competition in June:

Gold Medalists

Broadcast News: Dillon Bourke, Jeffrey Atkinson, Sean Uzar, and Noah Devereaux

Career Pathways – ­Architecture: Evan Bounpaseuth, Robert Hill, and Jason Villatoro

Career Pathways ­STEM: Luis Lloyd, Michael Scarince, and Wayne Van Blarcom

Electronics Technology: Zachary Snyder

Engineering Technology and Design: Nicholas Roschewsk, Marina Lilieholm, and Lukas Purasson

Firefighting: Bailey Duffell

Silver Medalists

Architectural Drafting: James Linn

Graphic Communications: Tim Zube

Mobile Robotics: Daniel de Paz and Matthew Vital

Restaurant Service: Victoria Siedt

Bronze Medalists

Career Pathways­ Education/Training: Sierra Falk, Amber Francy, and Ruth Torres ­Hernandez

Career Pathways­ Hospitality/Tourism: Autumn Menza, Trevor Parisi, and James Zube

Chapter Display: Naomi Gomez, Gaston Pombo, and Mary­Kate Linn

Early Childhood Education: Bevan Harrison

Electronics Technology: Douglas Reilly

First Aid/CPR: Collin Patricia

Graphic Communications: Tom Zube

Medical Math: Marina Garcia

Medical Terminology: Kathryn Maxwell

Mobile Electronics Installation: John Grabovetz

The “Engineering Technology and Design” team earned its second consecutive gold medal for the category while Bailey Duffel won his second gold in two years – last year he earned it in the “First Aid” category.

“Our students continue to push themselves and strive for excellence,” said Principal Geta Vogel. “Our dedicated teachers, advisors and mentors work hard year-­round to help students prepare for these contests. We are proud that so many, from freshman to seniors, take part in this competition. They are true ambassadors for success.” ­

Students spent free time at the competition practicing speeches and dialogue, testing prototypes and fine­-tuning presentations for the judges. Technology, business, medical, and vocational fields were represented with diligence and professionalism, and focused on engineering, architecture, robotics, computer science, drafting, health sciences, early childhood care, finance and business management, cosmetology, culinary arts, automotive, graphics design, firefighting, first aid/CPR, electronics and radio/tv and media.

“Our students continue to exceed our expectations. They always demonstrate a high work ethic and continue to represent Warren Tech with great poise and dignity,” said Warren Tech SkillsUSA Advisor, Lori Miller.

In addition to the student recognitions at the competition, Warren Tech was recognized as a “Chapter of Excellence,” certifying they are considered a school that demonstrates integrity in procedures, maintains high standards, and follows all state and national protocol.

SkillsUSA is a national organization that works in partnership with students, teachers, and industry representatives to ensure a skilled workforce in America. SkillsUSA serves to support teachers, high school, and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled, service and health occupations, and post­secondary education.