Mount Pleasant High School Electrical Technology students competed in the SkillsUSA Texas Leadership and Skills Conference in Corpus Christi on April 3-6. MPHS dominated the competition earning a Best of Show, a 2nd place, two Superior blue ribbons, and a scholarship and job offer.

In the Construction Wiring competition, senior Jason Barrientos placed 2nd and gained a key to his future. For this event, students must take a professional development test, a National Electrical Code test, and have 8 hours to complete a wiring diagram given by the electrical companies that proctor the contest. The diagram includes the installation of a load center (panel), wiring circuits following the 2023 National Electrical Code, installing electrical devices, conduit bending and more. After seeing his level of skill, KIEWIT Corporation, the largest construction and engineering organization in North America, offered Barrientos a full scholarship to continue his education in Colorado and a job once he completes training.

“When Jason completed his wiring, one of many judges came over to us and said our student’s wiring was phenomenal and another judge said it’s the best he has seen at contest,” said MPHS Electrical Technology instructor, Tim Davis. “It was such a blessing to witness Jason’s family embrace their son’s accomplishments at the event. I only wished more could have attended this event to see just what it takes to even place at the State level.”

In the Electrical Exhibit competition, the team of Estrella Betancourt and Angel Barboza earned Best of Show for their Residential Wiring Exhibit. The lighting installed in their exhibit can change colors, be set to change with beats of music, will come on when it senses motion, and will turn off after a period of inactivity. The eye-catching exhibit is pink including the electrical devices and face plates.

The team of Barrientos and Bryan Valle earned a Superior ribbon for their Commercial Wiring Exhibit. Barrientos and Valle built a replica of what is typically found in commercial construction including a drop in ceiling and metal studs and wired the structure according to the 2023 National Electrical Code. The students used special electrical materials designed for commercial electrical installation such as MC Cable, EMT Conduit, line boxes, outdoor electrical gutter for wiring termination, and a Raintight Load Center (Panel).

The team of Kevin Ayala, Jaime Bello, Alfredo Pineda, and Luis Rojo earned a Superior ribbon for their Residential Wiring Exhibit. The team installed a LEVITON Load Center with a built in Wi-Fi Hub. The Hub allows the breakers to communicate with the owner by using an app on their phone. The LEVITON smart panel will let the owner know if there is a fault on a circuit breaker or an overload.

“In closing, we’re very thankful for the support and the commitment our district has and continues to show for all our students,” said Davis. “MP Electrical Proud! Go Tigers!”

Photos:

1: Jason Barrientos placed 2nd in construction wiring and earned a full scholarship and a job after high school

2: Estrella Betancourt (left) and Angel Barboza with their Best of Show Residential Wiring Exhibit

3: Jason Barrientos and Bryan Valle earned a Superior ribbon for their Commercial Wiring Exhibit

4:Group-(L to R) Jaime Bello, Kevin Ayala, Alfredo Pineda, Luis Rojo earned a Superior ribbon for their Residential Wiring Exhibit