It was a chance for Rebecca Shoemaker to tout her skills as a mason in the making. Concentration filled the 17-year-old’s face as she built a brick wall during the Region II BOCES Skills USA competition held recently at Morrisville State College.
More than 700 high school students from technical schools and BOCES programs throughout Central New York converged on the Morrisville State College campus during the annual event, which enabled them to showcase their skills in nearly 50 events.
“It’s harder to do than you think and there are a lot of mathematics and calculations involved. The trick is to take your time and pay attention to what you are doing,” said Shoemaker, the only female in the masonry competition.
Paving the way in a male-dominated craft has never hindered Shoemaker from pursuing the career she set her sights on as a freshman.
“I decided to step out of my comfort zone. It’s something that will allow me to help others,” said the Chenango Forks resident, whose dream is to become a missionary and build orphanages, hospitals and clean-water wells in Africa.
A student in the masonry program now at Broome-Tioga BOCES, she plans to enroll in Morrisville State College’s residential construction program next semester to hone her skills and add to her arsenal.
“Through church work I have seen so many less fortunate people,” she said. “I don’t have much to offer, but I want to use my skills to help wherever I can.”
Shoemaker is already making her mark on the world.
Through local church work, she assists with building fireplaces for the elderly, fixing decks and patios and also assisted with reinforcing the foundation of a church in Johnson City.
The Skills USA competition enabled the college to showcase its top-notch facilities, including its award-winning automotive technology building, which housed welding sculpture and motorcycle service technology. Collision repair technology was hosted in the auto body building, while cabinet making, electrical construction wiring, carpentry, masonry and plumbing competitions were held in the college’s wood technology facility.
Competitions were judged by Morrisville State faculty, students, and industry and education representatives. The college also offered scholarship opportunities to those who competed.
Centers that participated were:
Adirondack Central
Broome – Tioga BOCES
Bohlen Technical Center
Cayuga – Onondaga BOCES
DCMO BOCES – Chenango CTE Center
DCMO BOCES – R.W. Harrold CTE Center
Herkimer County BOCES
HG Sackett Technical Center
Institute of Technology
Madison – Oneida BOCES
NCOC – Northern Catskills Occupational Center
OCM – Charles H. McEvoy
OCM – IE Henry Center
OAOC – Otsego Area Occupational Center
Oneida Herkimer Madison BOCES
The Center for Instruction, Technology, and Innovation
Seaway Career & Technical Education Center