HANCOCK, MI - Carter Worm, a junior from Calumet High School and a student in the Copper Country Intermediate School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, clinched a gold medal at the SkillsUSA Michigan Competition in Automotive Service Technology. The event was held in Grand Rapids, MI on April 13, 2024, during the annual SkillsUSA Conference.
This prestigious competition featured the top 15 career and technical education students from regional contests across the state, who demonstrated their skills in nine critical automotive systems. The students competed in various categories including Electronics, Engine Mechanics, Steering, Suspension & Alignment, Brakes, Driveability, Drivetrain, and adhered to industry repair standards. Their performance was evaluated against the clock and one another, including a rigorous 100-question ASE written test.
David Narhi, Carter’s SkillsUSA advisor and automotive instructor, praised the competitors, "We are very proud of Carter’s accomplishments. Our CCISD auto students have shown dedication to excellence in both occupational and leadership skills, proving themselves as true 'champions at work.' This state competition is incredibly challenging, and all participants should be proud of how far they’ve pushed themselves."
In addition to earning medals, top performers received industry-related tools and scholarships to advance their careers and education. Carter is now qualified to represent Michigan at the National SkillsUSA Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, where the nation’s top 50 automotive students will compete for the national title.
Other notable participants included Ethan Pelli, a senior from Calumet, who secured a strong 10th place in the Automotive Service Technology competition, and Ty Crisman, a senior from Houghton High School, who finished 7th in the Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair category. Reflecting on the experience, Ty and Ethan shared, “We had fun and learned a lot, and we also met some cool industry people.”
Mr. Narhi encouraged all participants, stating, “You should be proud of the effort you put in. You went up against the top students across the state and rose to the occasion. Great work.”
PICTURED: (From Left) Ethan Pelli (Calumet Senior), Carter Worm (Calumet Junior), and Ty Crisman (Houghton Senior).