Christian Verdon receives a bronze medal at SkillsUSA national competition. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – “Top dog in Mass. and third in the nation,” is how SkillsUSA advisor Maureen Baillargeon described Westfield Technical Academy senior (Class of ’17) Christian Verdon of West Springfield, after he received a bronze medal in the national SkillsUSA tournament in Louisville, Kentucky last week.
Verdon and fellow graduating senior Kyle Hadley participated in the national tournament after placing gold in electrical wiring and automotive service respectively in the SkillsUSA state competition in Marlboro in April. For Verdon, it was his second gold state medal, and second trip to the nationals. Hadley participated for the first time in SkillsUSA competitions this year.
Christian Verdon being tested on electric wiring at nationals. (Photo submitted)
“I was more prepared, knew what I was in for,” Verdon said about his second trip to the nationals. He said on the first day, he was tested on pipe bending, trouble shooting, logic diagram and an interview. He also had a written exam on the electrical code and math.
On the second day, Verdon said he was given a line diagram. He had to lay it out, build it and wire it completely in six hours. He said only four out of twenty competitors were able to finish the project.
Kyle Hadley competed in a field of 50 in automotive service at SkillsUSA nationals. (Photo submitted)
Hadley competed against 50 finalists in his first year of SkillsUSA competition.
It was also the first trip to the nationals for Baillargeon. “It was the first time for me. It was awesome,” she said, describing what she called “the thrill of competition.” She said the boys were competent, and focused on their tasks.
“My chaperoning job was very easy. They were one step ahead of me,” she said. For example, she told them to meet her at 7:30 a.m., and when she knocked on their doors at 7:31, found they were already down in the lobby waiting for her. “They did a great job,” she said.
On the last day, Verdon said he didn’t know that he had placed until they called his name during the awards assembly.
Westfield Tech seniors Kyle Hadley and Christian Verdon receive certificates for competing in SkillsUSA nationals in Kentucky last week. (Photo submitted)
“It was really exciting when they called him,” Baillargeon said.
Besides the bronze medal, Verdon received a tool box and tools worth $1,700. He also received a full scholarship to Lincoln Tech, which has a campus in East Windsor, CT. Verdon said he plans to attend. “I’m not sure if I’m going for electrical or HVAC,” he said.
Since graduating, Verdon is working full-time at MCL Mechanical Services in West Springfield, where he began working during a co-op for Westfield Tech. He said the company does restaurant maintenance; electrical, plumbing, HVAC and refrigeration from Boston to Torrington. Verdon said his goal within the next four years is to obtain his electrical journeyman’s license.
Baillargeon said participating in the SkillsUSA competition looks good on resumes, and helps students get hired anywhere in the country. She said at the competition, students filled out job applications right there. “They can go to work for any company,” she said.
Baillargeon, who is the lead teacher in Allied Health at Westfield Tech, also has set a goal for next year. “I’ll be putting in for SkillsUSA advisor,” she said.
