Press contact: Kyla Kruse

SPRINGFIELD — Six Lincoln Land Community College Workforce Institute students competed in the SkillsUSA Illinois Championships in Peoria April 25-27. The event recognizes career and technical education students who excel in their occupational areas.

First-place gold winners were Dawson Bakunas of Divernon – culinary arts, Brayden Booth of Beardstown – electrical construction wiring and Michael Kindel of Dawson – carpentry. Malakai Vaughn of Waverly was a second-place silver winner in electrical construction wiring. Other LLCC participants were Connor Becker of Springfield – automotive, Jace Pierceall of Chatham – welding. 

LLCC team advisors are Chris Edmonds, Derrick Matlock, Damon Tanke, Jeff Gardner, Ty Bergman and Sheridan Lane.

Students in the SkillsUSA Illinois State Championships compete across more than 100 career competitions designed to test their skills. Each competition is designed and run by representatives of respective industries.