A Morenci student earned a first-place award in the SkillsUSA regional competition.

Nate Schaffner placed first in the paint and refinishing contest during the Collision Repair and Refinish competition.

His first-place finish qualifies him for the  SkillsUSA state conference competition April 16-18 in Lansing.

The regional contest was at the Branch Area Career Center in Coldwater.

In addition to Collision and Repair, LISD TECH students also competed in Careers in Public Safety; Engineering, Design and CAD; Hospitality and Culinary Arts; and Residential Construction.