Waiakea High students excel at 2014 SkillsUSA

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Waiakea High School’s SkillsUSA Team worked hard all school year to prepare for various categories in the state competition Feb. 19-20 on Oahu at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Waiakea High School’s SkillsUSA Team worked hard all school year to prepare for various categories in the state competition Feb. 19-20 on Oahu at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Austin Stroh-Akina, a WHS senior, placed first in the Automotive Service Category and earned $23,000 in scholarships and a $200 Snap-On Professional Tool Set.

For the past three years, the top spot in Automotive Service Technology has been won by a Waiakea High student — Keanu Giraud (2013) and Brenden Okada (2012).

In the Related Technical Math category, WHS students swept the top three spots.

Junior Thomas Lee placed first, followed by juniors Junhao Li and Jake Ebesugawa placing second and third, respectively.

Other Waiakea High students who also competed in the statewide competition were senior Nicolaus Minami (Automotive Service Technology), junior Chris Wung (Television Production) and freshman Kody LaGuire (Television Production).

The students are advised by teachers Derrick Kiyan, Robert Kobayashi and Donn Yamamoto.

Austin Stroh-Akina will represent WHS and the state of Hawaii at the 50th SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference scheduled June 22-27 in Kansas City, Mo.