JVS student earns silver medal at state SkillsUSA competition

Katie Rivers’ hard work paid off as she earned a silver medal during the Ohio SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference this month.

Rivers, a junior in the auto collision technology program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, earned high honors during the May 5-6 event. Most of the contests were held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, but Rivers said her competition took place at an area business.

She was among 20 students from across Ohio and one of only a few females in her category. Although she did not advance to the national competition in Georgia, Rivers said she was proud of her accomplishment.

“I feel very good about it. I was very happy and I have high hopes for next year,” she said.

The daylong competition took place at 3 C’s Body Shop, owned by CollisionRight in Columbus. The 20 contestants were divided into groups of four to complete their tasks.

“We had to do an 80-question test at the JVS before we went, and that went toward the score,” Rivers said. “We had to prep a panel, do a color blend and clear coat, mask off a car, find a paint coat and do a 50-question test about color tinting, then we identified problems between color matches on five different panels.”

Contestants also repaired scratches, applied an ultraviolet primer and blocked surfaces to prepare for a base color. Rivers said she was also judged during an interview at the conclusion of the contest.

“A good 80% is panel preparation, and painting is the fun and easy section of refinishing,” she said, adding she was prepared through classes with instructor Russ Achhammer.

Rivers said her favorite part of the experience was being with fellow JVS students and cheering each other on.

“I couldn’t have gone that far without the help of Mr. Achhammer and other people I look up to. I’m very grateful for all of the support I’ve gotten.”

Achhammer, who also serves as a JVS SkillsUSA adviser, said he was proud of Rivers’ accomplishment.

“She’s a hard worker and has such a positive attitude,” he said. “It goes to prove if you want it bad enough, it pays off. I’m so proud of her, and it was a great accomplishment.”

Rivers, the daughter of Stephanie Rivers of Unionport and a student at Steubenville High School, said her interest in art may one day lead to owning her own business.

“I do enjoy custom painting, and one day I want to own a custom painting shop,” she said. “I love how diverse you can go with the field and how many open doors there are. You can take something that is damaged and make it look like new. I got into it because of my interest in art and one day hope to make a living with it.”

In the meantime, Rivers said she hopes to return to the state SkillsUSA competition next year.

“It was a lot of fun.”

A total of 13 JVS students attended the state competition, with most competing in various categories, including Caiden Canestraro, job interview; Paige Casto, prepared speech; Tucker Winski, carpentry; Delaney O’Brien, criminal justice; Kaydence DeGarmo, cosmetology; Noah Forrester, industrial motor control; Jolee Lombardo, job skill demonstration A; Kylie Chevalier, collision repair technology; Emalynn Burrows, first aid/CPR; Charles Layman, welding; Dakota Reynard, automotive refinishing technology; and Trenton Hess, current SkillsUSA regional officer.

JVS SkillsUSA adviser Ron Reasoner said a large number of school competitors advanced this year, with 21 heading to regionals and 13 moving on to states.

“This is the most we’ve had place for a while,” he said. “They all competed at a high level within their competition.”