Student wins gold in SkillsUSA national competition

Derbe Stroup, a Carbon Career & Technical Institute student, earned top honors in the SkillsUSA national competition in Louisville, KY. Stroup, also a student in Palmerton Area SD, ranked first in the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Turning event, which assesses students’ ability to write the CNC program for a part drawing and materials, determine tool offsets, set up the machine and produce a part on a lathe. In addition to his medal of recognition, Stroup was rewarded with over $6,000 in cash and tools. In addition to Stroup’s win, student Jakson Ring earned sixth place in CNC Technician event and student Zackary Klotz placed 11th in the Plumbing category. The national SkillsUSA event included more than 6,000 competitors in 100 events showcasing specific trade skills or business leadership.