Former Breckenridge students to represent TSTC at competition — again
Winning is so nice, she did it twice. Now Kacee Merrifield wants it again, and so does one of her classmates, Corbin Calsoncin.
Merrifield and Calsoncin are enrolled in the nursing program at Texas State Technical College in Sweetwater, and both graduated from TSTC in Breckenridge with a certificate of completion in Vocational Nursing in 2018.
They will compete at the SkillsUSA 2019 Leadership and Skills Conference on April 12-14 at TSTC in Waco. SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations and for further education.
Merrifield, who is originally from Mineral Wells, has competed at SkillsUSA two years in a row, winning state both times and placing nationally.
“It’s a very validating feeling when you get to test your skills against others in your industry, but it’s so much more than just winning a medal,” Merrifield said. “I love that SkillsUSA offers a platform to meet other professionals. You meet so many people and make friends and get to travel. I really enjoyed what Skills has done for me.”
In 2017 Merrifield placed first in state for Health Knowledge Bowl, continuing on to win fourth at nationals. In 2018 she won first in state for Nurse Assisting and sixth at nationals. She will compete in Practical Nursing this year.
Calsoncin, a Breckenridge High School graduate, is hoping to win his second first-place title. Calsoncin placed second at state in Medical Math in 2017, and he placed first in Math in 2018 and went on to place ninth at nationals. Calsoncin will compete in Medical Math again this year.
“I was nervous my first couple times I competed, but I feel better now and am more prepared,” Calsoncin said.
Not only do Merrifield and Calsoncin compete in SkillsUSA at the collegiate level, but they also judge the high school level.
“Judging is a chance for them to give back and share their experiences with others,” said Marchelle Taylor, TSTC nursing instructor and West Texas SkillsUSA coordinator. “(SkillsUSA) allows them to interact with other students and industry around the state and nation.”
Both students encourage anyone interested in nursing to visit TSTC and take advantage of the opportunities available with SkillsUSA.
For more information on Texas State Technical College, log on to tstc.edu.
To read more about Merrifield and Calsoncin’s 2018 accomplishments, click here.
Information from Sarah Trocolli/TSTC Communications
Cutline: TSTC-Sweetwater nursing students Corbin Calsoncin, left, and Kacee Merrifield, right, prepare to compete at SkillsUSA in April. (Photo courtesy of TSTC)
