Oxford High School senior Anthony ‘Sulo? Kanka recently won the first place gold medal in carpentry at the Skills USA VICA State Conference.
‘I knew I had a chance of winning,? said Kanka, who is a carpentry student at Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northwest. ‘I was worried about my friend from Lake Orion beating me.?
Kanka competed with 1900 students from across the state in technical and career related categories such as electronics, technical drafting, precision machining, medical assisting and culinary arts.
In the carpentry division, Kanka had to build a four-by-four small ‘house-like? structure on a provided platform including framing, roofing and possibly even siding or painting. He was given six hours to complete the project. Judging for the event was based on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship and the proper use of tools and equipment.
To prepare for the competition, Kanka said he worked a lot with his instructor.
‘My teacher Dick Moscovic helped me a lot,? he said.
For winning the gold medal, Kanka was given a $350 gift certificate to Home Depot and several tools. He also gets an opportunity to compete at the national level against the gold medal winners in each state.
‘It will be fun, I’m looking forward to it,? he said.
Kanka added that carpentry is in his blood. His father is a mater carpenter and he has been assisting him since he was young.
‘I will probably go into this as a profession,? he stated. ‘Right now I’m thinking about attending Oakland Community College for construction management.?
To prepare for national competition, the OHS senior said he will be practicing laying out walls and rafters, and working on his timing. Prizes at the national level often include scholarships.
Skills USA VICA is a national organization for students in trade, industrial, technical and health occupations education. The championships are sponsored annually to recognize the achievements of vocational students and to encourage them to strive for excellence and pride in their chosen occupations.
The national conference is scheduled for a week in June in Kansas City, Missouri.