KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kelsey Freitas, a 2011 graduate from Oxford Hills Technical School, was awarded the gold medal in screen printing technology at the annual National Leadership and Skills Conference and SkillsUSA Championships. The competition was held on June 25.

The medal was the first gold medal at the National Competition for Oxford Hills Technical School.

Kelsey was in the graphic arts programs for three years and has been to Nationals once before this, competing in the Secondary Division in screen printing technology. Kelsey is currently starting her sophomore year going to school at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth working on a dual bachelor’s degree in graphic design and illustration. She plans to further her education by getting her master’s degree.

“I couldn’t have done this without the long hours of practicing and studying like I have been doing before the first state competition that I attended in 2011,” said Freitas. “The mutual commitment between me and Mr. (Richard) Cormier, (instructor in the graphic arts printing program and Skills Advisor at OHTS), is one thing that stands out in my mind for the reason of my achievements even though he couldn’t attend the National Conference with me this year like he did last. Two state gold medals and a National gold medal and two skill points later is something to be proud of.

“He’s been my teacher for the past four years now and is currently my boss,” she continued. “I am fortunate to have had a great teacher like him who still continues to teach me when I’m no longer his student.

“I also need to thank my parents for always being there for me and believing in me and pushing me to go for the gold,” Freitas said.