Elvie Land-Larrabee, a sophomore at Prince Edward County High School, was awarded first place in the state SkillsUSA Automotive Servicing competition. He was recognized on stage at the 2016 State Leadership Conference and Skills Championship on April 16 in Fredericksburg.

Student competitors from across the state were given four automotive serving tasks to complete. Students in the state competition diagnosed and repaired a horn relay, inspected and measured tire wear, performed battery maintenance and checked various engines for vital fluids and oil. In addition to the performance tasks, each competitor took a written test on the subject matter.  They were judged by certified experts on accuracy, speed, neatness and safety. 

In addition to receiving a medal, certificate and banner for the school, Elvie was awarded a $10,000 scholarship to Ohio Technical College located near Cleveland, Ohio.

“The competitors are not told what tasks they must perform until they get to the contest, coordinator of Career and Technical Education Dr. Brad Bryant stated. “Elvie did a great job of preparing for more than 100 curriculum competencies that could have been assigned at the event.”

“The hard work resulted in a state championship. Elvie is only in the tenth grade — most of the contestants were juniors or seniors,”  Elvie’s coach and automotive technology teacher at Prince Edward County Career and Technical Education Center said.

SkillsUSA is a co-curricular organization for students enrolled in high school courses that are focused on STEM-related trades. Founded in 1965 and endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, SkillsUSA serves more than 300,000 students and instructors each year in middle schools, high schools and colleges. Awards and competitions cover 130 technical, skilled and service occupations. More than 600 corporations, trade associations, businesses and labor unions actively support SkillsUSA activities.