Lee's Daniel Hernandez to compete in national contest

Daniel Hernandez, a Robert E. Lee High School senior and student in the auto collision repair program at Stuart Career Center, won first place in the state SkillsUSA contest in Corpus Christi April 3 and 4.  He will advance to the National SkillsUSA contest in Kansas City, Missouri,  June 22 through 26.

Daniel demonstrated his skills and knowledge at the state contest with hands-on assignments and written tests.  Judges rated each student on his ability to weld, shrink metal and metal-finish two separate dents, as well as mix, apply and sand plastic filler on a damaged fender.

In addition, students had to write an estimate on a damaged vehicle, diagnose frame damage and identify the damaging forces and types of damage to the frame.  Another task was to repair a torn plastic bumper that required a two-sided repair.

Finally, students had to take four written exams covering overall body repair, plastic repair, steering and suspension parts identifications, and a structural written test.

Daniel was offered $35,700 in scholarships for earning the top award at the state contest.  He is the son of Elma Henrick of Baytown and the student of Greg Thomas at Stuart Career Center.