MCAA Skills Challenge Winners

Words: Dan Kamys

MCAA Skills Challenge Winners

Following are the award winners of the MCAA Skills Challenge for Region C.

First year winners were Jeremy Casey – First place, $400; Christopher Drinkwine – Second place, $250; and Tyler Alto – Third place, $100.

Second year winners were Darren Tobolt – First place, $400; Michael Dodge – Second place, $250; and Mathew Smith – Third place, $100.

Third year winners were Andrew Fernandez – First place, $400; Michael Hipes – Second place, $250; and John Alastra – Third place, $100.

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