The Computer Office Technology (COT) shop of LCCTC is sending four students to the SkillsUSA state competition. All four seniors attending this year will include Carlee Stoner, Makenna Braniff, Shay Stanley, and Blu Bartle.
Carlee Stoner’s experience with computing goes way back to the age of 5. Using technology became a second nature to her. “I only felt right to further my skills in a trade that I knew would be part of my future career. I want to make an impact no matter where I go,” Carlee Stoner states. Over the past three years, she has earned several certifications in the Microsoft Office programs such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Access. Additional certifications include IC3 and Adobe Photoshop.
This year, in district competition, Carlee placed 1st in Technical Computer Application; rightfully so, she feels very confident in her work for skills and knows what she is doing. She is determined to do her best in states and is preparing by going over every aspect that will be involved in her part of competition. In particular, she wants to go over computer hardware.
Although she is in computer office technology, Carlee is looking closely at Robert Morris for pre-law and is also looking at Pitt for Library Sciences. Her largest motivator is keep pushing myself forward for so she can be able to financially help her mother while still being able to travel. She gushes, “I am so excited to learn more about different cultures.”
Makenna has certifications in IC3, GS5 (3 part test) Photoshop CS6, Photoshop CC, Powerpoint 2016/2010, Word 2016, and Soft Skills. She will attend Pittsburgh Technical College for her associates in graphic design. Her biggest motiviater is “To make a difference where I can; I want to make sure I leave a positive footprint in the world in some way.”
She is proud of LCCTC and feels that being a part of the Promotional Bulletin Board team can help her bring attention to SkillsUSA at LCCTC. Makenna feels rather confident with her skills but is touching base on them to help her team prepare; she was excited to be able to share a bit of artistic ability by working with the photography for the project.
When she graduates, Makenna will certainly make a bang in her future career. She is ready to be part of the workforce and has an interview with Pyrotecnico, a special FX company, She is very excited to see where this career choice is going to take her.
Shay Stanley selected COT as her shop because she has always loved computers; LCCTC gives her a chance to go further in-depth for learning about them. She has already earned certifications in IC3, Soft Skills, Microsoft Powerpoint, and HTML. In the fall, Shay will attend Westminster College for Computer Sciences and Graphic Design.
A member of the Neshannock High School Band, Shay understands the importance of team work. As a second member of the Promotional Bulletin Board team, Shay has been working hard to utilize the skills learned in COT to be sure her project is the best it can be.
Shay plans to eventually become an Animator much like Walt Disney was. “What motivates me the most,” Shay smiles, “is watching all of my stories come to life as I practice my animation skills.” Shay is excited to see where the world of technology will take her in life and is very happy to say that LCCTC has made this an easier path for her.
UPDATE: Because of an unfortunate injury, Shay will not be able to go to states with her team, but as a true team member, she continues to assist her team in the project. We look forward to seeing her many accomplishments as she continues to work toward earning more certifications in COT.
Blu Bartle chose COT as his shop because, as he quoted, “I grew up with computers around me throughout my childhood, my grandfather was a programmer, and my grandmother was an accountant. So we have always had computers.” As a child and even still today, it had always peaked his interest.
To date, Blu has earned certifications in IC3 and Microsoft PowerPoint, but is currently working hard on Word and Access, Photoshop CS6, and a continuation of IC3. As the final member of the Promotional Bulletin Board Team, Blu will apply his knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe Design programs. He is fairly confident in his skills and works with his team and through independent study to make LCCTC proud. “I am very good with theory, and I am also very creative.” Coupled with Makenna’s artistic eye and Shay’s enthusiastic energy, this team will be sure to make us proud!
Being so committed to their work, all four students are sure to place well in the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania State Conference in Hershey in April. Even though confident with what they will be doing for the competition, they all plan to continue sharpening their skills. Good luck to LCCTC’s Computer Office Technology students!
