A Nunez Community College Dual Enrollment student earned a Gold Medal at this year’s SkillsUSA Louisiana competition for high school students.

Michael Keen, a high school senior from Slidell and enrollee in Nunez’s Aerospace Manufacturing Technology program, claimed the top prize in the Principles of Engineering Category at the college-level SkillsUSA competition which took place April 15-17 in Alexandria. Keen’s presentation demonstrated how an alternator generates electricity for an automobile, as well as explaining the various forms of electrical current.

His win qualifies him to compete at SkillsUSA’s National Competition June 24-28 in Atlanta.

“What I enjoyed most about my SkillsUSA experience was the opportunity to learn important career and life skills, and to present topics on concepts related to my career to subject matter experts who gave me good feedback that I can learn from,” said Keen.

Keen became well-versed in harnessing electrical current to power a machine over the past year. In addition to competing in SkillsUSA for Nunez, he captained the college’s inaugural FIRST Robotics Team, which recently competed at the Bayou Regional competition April 4-6 in Kenner. Under Keen’s leadership, Nunez placed 32nd out of 51 teams in its very first competition, squaring off against teams from all over the country and several international teams. Nunez’s five-member rookie team competed against teams with as many as 20 members and 20 years of experience in the competition.

“Michael is a go-getter. When he commits to something, he gives it his all,” said Dr. Julie Rexford, Nunez STEAM Director and sponsor for both Nunez’s SkillsUSA and FIRST Robotics teams. “I’ve watched him grow in confidence over the semester, from always questioning himself to asserting his knowledge with confidence.”

Nunez was also recognized during the awards ceremony for posting the second largest membership increase of any community college in the state, adding 21 members from 2023 to 2024.

The majority of Nunez’s Dual Enrollment team members competed in SkillsUSA’s Louisiana high school competition April 10-12 in Houma.

Nunez is currently accepting new team members for both its SkillsUSA team and its FIRST Robotics team. Interested students or parents can contact Dr. Rexford at jrexford@nunez.edu.

About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.