LRCC students take medals at annual SkillsUSA Workforce Development event

LACONIA — Two LRCC students made their Lakes Region community proud by earning medals at the 2022 SkillsUSA Championships, held in Atlanta, GA on June 22-23. More than 6,500 students competed at the career and technical education showcase. The SkillsUSA Championships is the largest skill competition in the world and covers 1.79 million square feet, equivalent to 31 football fields or 41 acres.

Students were invited to the event to demonstrate their technical, workplace, and personal skills in hands-on competitions involving an array of trades, including one of LRCC’s popular programs, Culinary Arts.

Second-year Pastry Arts student Starr Perry was awarded a silver medal in the Job Skill Demo A category. Perry was given some of the highest marks and impressed the panel with her presentation on “How to plate a cold and hot dessert.” This timed instruction was judged on knowledge, public speaking, poise, and ability to teach. Perry will continue her culinary education at LRCC in the fall and plans to open a bakery when she graduates.

Arianna Roberts recently completed degrees in Pastry Arts and Culinary Arts and was awarded a bronze medal in the Commercial Baking category. This rigorous challenge included baking an array of pastries to professional standards. Some tasks assigned were cake decorating, breads and rolls, puff pastry, apple galettes, jalapeño muffins, and pastry cream. Competitors were judged on presentation, color, crumb structure, weight, and consistency. Roberts placed third among twenty commercial bakers in this category. Her plans include mastering pastry, traveling, and becoming a culinary educator.

Both Perry and Roberts had previously placed first in their categories for the New Hampshire state competition, earning gold medals. Chef Bob McIntosh, an adjunct at the college, served as a mentor for these students. This year, McIntosh celebrated both his 20th year attending SkillsUSA and his first student medals.

“While I was available to help with expectations, timing, and practicing, the credit all goes to these two amazing culinarians. Their talent, attitude, and ability to perform under pressure are rare and deserve to be recognized. I’m so proud of them,” said McIntosh when asked about his role in the competition.

For more information, visit www.lrcc.edu.