L-83 Assist. Bus. Agt. Joe Lewandowski (c.) accepts a “Hometown Hero” award from Timothy Lawrence (l.), executive director of SkillsUSA, and Carl DiCapo, president of the local SkillsUSA advisory council.
Lodge helps judge students at national competition
LOCAL 83 (Kansas City, Mo.) was one of seven area unions honored May 20 for supporting the annual SkillsUSA competition in Kansas City. L-83 Assistant Business Agent Joe Lewandoski accepted a “Hometown Hero” award on behalf of his local during a meeting of the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association held at the Crown Center Exhibit Hall downtown.
SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers, and industry representatives — including labor unions — that works to promote a skilled work force. The organization serves teachers as well as high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. Each year, SkillsUSA holds its national competition in Kansas City, where thousands of students demonstrate their skills in diverse areas, from construction trades to culinary arts.
L-83 BM-ST Randy Cruse said, “Our local has participated in this event for many years, providing judges for the competition. It’s a worthy organization, and we benefit by screening and recruiting quality students for our apprenticeship program.”
The annual SkillsUSA competition is the largest annual convention in Kansas City.
