Whiz Kid: Techno Student Wins Third in SkillsUSA Competition

Each week, Mehlville Patch highlights a young person in the community who is making a positive difference in the lives of others. These kids are doing outstanding academic work, winning an award or exhibiting exemplary qualities. Know a great kid? Nominate them by e-mailing sarah.flagg@patch.com.

Name: Alex Riddle

Age: 16

School: Mehlville High School

Accomplishment: Alex recently received a bronze medal from SkillsUSA in the field of Electronic Technical Information.

Key to Awesomeness: Alex is very enthusiastic about SkillsUSA and the role that it has played in preparing him for a career in electronic technology. He is not certain if it will be electrical engineering, robotics or internet technology, but there is no doubt that electronics will be involved in his future.

SkillsUSA is a community service group that works on various projects during the school year which incorporate technical skills learned in classes. The chapter meetings are at school, usually once a week. The members raise the money required to attend conferences and competitions by holding fundraisers. The group is also in charge of planning SkillsUSA Week when members promote the organization and enroll new members.

“We have two SkillsUSA sponsors, Mr. (Richard) Rosenkoetter and Mr. (Robert) Schimmel, both of which are excellent sponsors and teachers,” Alex said. “I have been a member for one year and have also served as an officer for that period of time.”

“I really became interested in electronics because I took digital electronics as part of my class set," he said. "I also took an electricity class because I am currently working for a carpentry company and I thought it would be good for me to learn more about home wiring and the basics of electricity while I learned some advanced circuitry in digital electronics.” 

Aside from electronics classes, Alex’s favorite school subjects are 3D sculpture and photography.

“I like these subjects because I have to incorporate critical thinking into every action I make. I am a very hands-on person,” he said.

As for hobbies, you can find Alex hunting, fishing or working on his 1957 Chevy Bel Air.

Alex also helps at his dad’s carpentry shop. This summer he will be working with him almost everyday to learn carpentry and hand-crafted woodworking.

“I think that this is an amazing opportunity that I have been given,” Alex said.