Nicole Fennelly, a student at Questar III’s Rensselaer Educational Center in Troy, recently won first place in the SkillsUSA state competition in Syracuse. This marks the eighth year in a row that a Questar III student has finished in the top three statewide.
Nicole Fennelly won 1st place in the SkillsUSA state competition in Syracuse
The SkillsUSA competition, which is judged by industry professionals, tests technical and professional skills through hands-on and written contests including construction, information technology and welding.
As the only girl competing in the Carpenter’s Assistant competition, she describes SkillsUSA as an amazing experience and a great time to network and meet new people. Placing third in the competition last year, Fennelly was excited to face the challenging competition again- this time with even more experience.
As the winner of the competition, Fennelly received a medal and a $5,000 scholarship to Lincoln Tech, which she plans to attend in the fall to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts. After Lincoln Tech she intends to pursue an additional degree in design. Fennelly’s career goal is to become a kitchen designer.
When Fennelly began the Construction Technologies program last year she was wary of being the only girl in the classroom. She quickly became comfortable in her surroundings and learned a set of skills that have enabled her to help rebuild part of her family home, a garden for her mother and Adirondack chairs for her family. “I came a long way,” she said. “I knew very little about construction at first and now I am able to build things on my own.”
In regards to being the only girl in her program, Fennelly said, “You realize quickly that you can do all of the same things boys can do, if not more.”
