Recent FVTC grad Cody Leahy’s experience included a gold-medal performance at the national SkillsUSA competition.

Representing Fox Valley Technical College, Cody Leahy outperformed participants from 13 other schools at the 53rd annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference this past summer in Louisville, Kentucky.

“It was a blast!” states Leahy, a 22-year-old Markesan native and double-major graduate of FVTC’s Electrical Engineering Technology and Electronic Engineering Technology programs.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of educators and industry leaders. The organization’s yearly local, state and national competitions are a showcase for career and technical education students. “I had to pass two written certification tests and accurately complete three hands-on technical projects, including soldering and assembling two circuits,” says Leahy.

More than 16,000 people attended the weeklong event, which also included industry speakers and a job fair. “I didn’t know that I’d won first place in the electronics technology competition until it was announced at the closing ceremony,” says Leahy. “I received a gold medal plus a lot of gifts like an oscilloscope and tool sets.”

Leahy, who is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the Milwaukee School of Engineering as a junior, chose FVTC because of its Engineering degree programs. “I knew this was the right career path for me as soon as I entered the doors at Fox Valley Tech,” he says. “Plus, I saved a lot of money.”
 

Bringing Home the Medals

Cody Leahy, Markesan
Gold medal in Electronics Technology with the highest point total ever achieved in the history of this competition

Donaven Phillips, Appleton
Silver medal in Power Equipment Technology

Corey Meyer, Fond du Lac
Bronze medal in Motorcycle Service Technology