Mariah Schnurstein in one of her classes at the LISD TECH Center
The LISD TECH Center helps students get the competitive edge they’ll need for success in the future.
Mariah Schnurstein, a senior at Summerfield High School in Monroe County, was awarded State Champion at the 2016 Skills USA State Competition in the Automotive Refinishing division last month. This recognition makes her the first female to win her division since the competition began. Skills USA is a national organization that helps prepare students for careers in technical, skilled, and service trades. Mariah was among few female competitors in her division as she helped represent the team of LISD TECH center students in Lansing.
Practicing automotive refinishing for two years at the TECH Center, she has learned the basics of repairing damaged auto bodies as well as how to mix and apply primer and paint in a spray booth. Mariah grew up working on cars with her father where she first gained an interest in automotive work. Carrying this passion with her throughout high school, she enrolled in the LISD TECH Center’s Automotive Collision Repair and Refinish program. She sought out the LISD TECH Center for its advanced equipment, involvement in competitions, and job opportunities.
Mariah placed high among competitors at the regional competition in Battle Creek last February, qualifying her for the state championships. In preparation for the competition, Mariah spent countless hours in and out of the classroom practicing. In the weeks leading up to the event, she made the 45-minute drive from home to the TECH Center almost every night to ensure her skills were fine-tuned and ready to go.
Mariah plans to attend Washtenaw Community College next fall to study in its automotive program. With big plans for a bright future in the auto industry, Mariah is setting the tone for other females in skilled trades. Manufacturing isn’t just a place for men, and girls like Mariah are helping to diminish this belief. Automotive work isn’t limited to your grandfather’s weekend hobby anymore, women are getting involved and excelling! Mariah encourages girls interested in pursuing skilled trades to “follow what you truly want to do and not listen to comments guys are going to throw your way.” Mariah has used comments like these to fuel her drive to be even better and plans to take that attitude with her to the national competition in Louisville, Kentucky next month.
The skills Mariah has learned at the LISD TECH Center have opened doors to future career opportunities. These skills, along with many more, will be taught at the LISD Career Exploration Camp this summer. Students are invited to sign up for sessions exploring their area of interest. For more information please visit campscui.active.com.