For Immediate Release

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

GLTS Student Juana Lopez Headed to SkillsUSA National Competition

ANDOVER — Superintendent John Lavoie is pleased to announce that GLTS senior Juana Lopez is headed to the SkillsUSA national competition later this month.

After earning a gold medal in restaurant service at the SkillsUSA state competition, Lopez, a culinary arts student from North Andover, will travel to Louisville, Kentucky June on 25-29 for the culminating event as part of Team Massachusetts.

“Juana has been a top competitor in the SkillsUSA competitions,” Superintendent Lavoie said. “Last year at the state competition she earned a silver medal, and this year she was determined to take home gold. The Greater Lawrence Technical High School community is beaming with pride and we wish her the best of luck as she heads to nationals.”

The state competition tested Lopez’s skills with “front of the house” operations of a fine dining restaurant. At the national competition, she will be expected to demonstrate the duties of a dining room server as well as a seating hostess, and will be judged on her personal appearance, table side manner, professionalism, ease with guests, courtesy, general knowledge of the industry and technical verbal skills. Lopez will also need to be able to successfully complete tableside service of Caesar salad, guacamole or fruit tray.

Additionally, the contest will include an oral presentation, where students must showcase their ability to communicate with others, and a written exam. Each student must also present a resume that follows strict guidelines for the industry.

“Juana is working hard to achieve success not only for herself but also the GLTS community and Team Massachusetts,” said GLTS Culinary Arts instructor and SkillsUSA Series Director Heather McCall. “SkillsUSA holds each competitor to the highest standards of professionalism and is about preparing our students for leadership in the workforce. Juana is a dedicated, driven individual who has worked extremely hard to achieve success and is extremely deserving of this recognition and opportunity.”

Lopez is a National Honor Society member, soccer player, SkillsUSA member and volunteers at Groundwork Lawrence.

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