Riverbank High School (RHS) students competed in the 55th Annual SkillsUSA California Leadership and Skill Conference at the Ontario Convention Center from April 21 to 24. Jesus Tovar earned a silver medal in the carpentry competition.

The team of six from RHS included Tovar, Jose Rivera, Melany Mejia-Contreras, Joshua Melo, Nathan Melo, and Frank Manzo. Building and Construction Instructor Cory Casteel made the trip down south with the team.

“Everyone did their best, behaved admirably and no one got hurt,” said Casteel. “Jesus is the second student I have had in carpentry and Jose is the first I have had in cabinetmaking. They are also the two students that came in first and second at Occupational Olympics.”

Rivera placed fourth in cabinetmaking which Mejia-Contreras competed in as well. Both Joshua Melo and Nathan Melo competed in Introductory Woodworking and Manzo competed in carpentry.

For the Carpentry competition contestants were required to frame walls using wood and/or steel studs among other specifics. They had to demonstrate knowledge of stair construction. The contestants were judged on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship, safety and the proper use of tools, equipment and materials.

The Cabinetmaking contestants had to build a small cabinet from materials and drawings that were provided. They were expected to read the drawings and use a variety of tools.