Isaac Russell, a recent graduate of Maplewood Career Center’s electricity program, recently won first place in the industrial motor control category at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Ky., June 25-29.

At the conference, Russell competed against 23 students at the secondary education level. His winning project was a replication of an air pressure system alternating between two motors.

Russell works for Scotchman Electric and is studying for his EMS certification. He is also a firefighter in Garrettsville.

The SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference is a national-level competition for students enrolled in middle school, high school and community colleges or postsecondary programs. SkillsUSA organizes this annual event for career and technical students, which is the single largest day of corporate volunteerism in America, valued at more than $36 million invested by business and industry. More than 6,400 students competed in 104 occupational and leadership skill areas over the course of the conference.

“There is nobody more deserving of this achievement than Isaac, who is always putting others first,” said Joe Svonavec, electricity instructor. “He is a leader in every sense of the word and dove into this challenge head-on. His achievement shows that if you work hard and do your best, great things will happen. I knew he could do it.”

To qualify for the national conference, 40 students from Maplewood compete against up to 5,000 students from across Ohio in various SkillsUSA competitions. Students must compete against their classmates locally before moving onto regional contests. First-place, state-level winners from each skill area then advance to the national championships.

“Congratulations to Isaac for his outstanding accomplishment at the SkillsUSA championships,” said Superintendent Randall Griffith. “Isaac is a hardworking young man who is dedicated to being the best at whatever he does. Isaac’s personality, positive attitude, and work ethic will allow him to excel at any task or endeavor he chooses. Best of luck to Isaac as he starts his career!”