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Clay County Student to Compete in SkillsUSA National Championship

Victoria Waltrip, a recent graduate of the Ridgeview High School, is headed to Kansas City, MO., to participate in the SkillsUSA State Championship for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). During the week-long event, more than 4,500 outstanding career and technical education state contest winners will compete in 87 different trade, technical and leadership fields. Students will work against the clock and each other, providing their know-how in occupations like electronics, computer drafting, precision machining, medical assisting and culinary arts.

Victoria took two 50-question written tests and participated in hands-on trouble shooting and diagnostics to win the state championship. She initially entered the HVAC program to figure out what was wrong with her home’s air-conditioner. Four years later she was the only girl left in the class and a State Champion.

Victoria graduated Summa Cum Laude and has a full Bright Futures Scholarship. She plans on attending St. Johns River Community College and eventually the University of Florida to pursue a degree in Engineering.