Special to The Leader

West Orange-Stark High School Career Center precision machine students Colby Hudson and Kade Wheat earned the top two positions, first and second place respectively, in the STATE Skills USA competition held in Corpus Christi recently.

Hudson becomes the fifth WO-S High School Career Center State Champion. He also won Best of Show in the STATE Job Exhibits competition for the second consecutive year.

Hudson is a senior at WO-S and has been involved in the precision machine program for four years. Wheat is a senior at Bridge City High School and has been enrolled in the WO-S precision machine program for two years. Last year, Wheat placed fifth in the State Skills competition.

“I am very proud of their accomplishments and what they have done over the years. Not only have these students had to keep up with their daily school assignments; but, they have also had to keep up with Skills USA assignments and competitions. These students exemplify academics and career training producing a very well rounded individual,” Carlo Paulino, WO-S High School precision machine instructor, said.

Additionally, all WO-S Career Center precision machine students won blue ribbons on their student projects in the State competition. Students are Roberto Artiga, Alex Bridwell, Colby Hudson, Randy Underwood, Michael Vines, and Kade Wheat. Underwood is also a Bridge City High School student who attends the WO-S Career Center.