Austin Monzel's Final Year

Austin Monzel has been in the Transition program for the past 3 years with this year being his final year.  Austin has the gift of truly brightening everyones day with his positive attitude and enthusiastic spirit.  He has worked at Special Products LLC this year and will be using the work skills he learned through the Transition program at Midwest Special Services, Inc. in Oakdale. 

Austin is also a very talented artist who has created numerous paintings we have displayed in the Oak Park building.  Austin likes to go to Courage Center swimming, and attending St Paul Saints games in the summer.   The entire staff will miss you Austin! 

Repurposing Of The Little Library

On Wednesday, January 16th, the Stillwater Transition chapter of SkillsUSA participated in a community service event by repurposing the Little Library in front of ECFC. We spent weeks working hard to ensure that this looked the absolute best it could in memory of little Evie Kiester. We presented it to Karissa and her husband Brian Keister and it was such an honor for us to participate in a project that had such a big impact on us as a chapter. We hope to do something like this again in the future!

Meet Joe Karel

Joe is in his first year at the transition program. He has joined the SKILLS USA Stillwater chapter and is assisting with the Candyland popcorn drive to raise money for the club.  He is enjoying his time at transition learning different topics of interest to him.  Joe loves to draw in his spare time especially designing and creating comics.  He currently works at Pizza Ranch and has been an employee there for over a year.  The staff truly enjoys having Joe in the program as he is a respectful and thoughtful young man. Great year Joe!

Emma's Day In Transition

Emma is in her first year at the Transition Program for 18-21 year old students.  She is 19 years old and has recently moved from South Carolina to the winter wonderland of Minnesota. Emma enjoys music such as Shania Twaine, and Carrie Underwood.  She also likes to dance and different social activities like bowling and attending Valley Friendship Hub Center.

During the school day Emma works 3 days a week at Special Products LLC her main project is the deconstruction of recycled bags for creating the tote bags.  She also folds the T-shirts that are printed and sold by Special Products.   Emma also enjoys Yoga and Art class.  She shops at Wal-Mart on Wednesdays to purchase ECFC products that are needed by pre-school students.  She has two brothers Andrew and Harrison. The staff truly enjoys Emma's positive attitude and her ability to encourage others.  Great work Emma!

T-Shirt Design at Special Products

Cooking Class Holiday Appetizers

Stuffed Peppers

In cooking class we made a variety of appetizers 

for the upcoming holiday season.  All students 

researched recipes and prepared them in groups 

of two or individually for the class.

This was good practice for preparing these at

home for their family and friends. 

CeCe & Kaitlyn -Stuffed Peppers

Christian & Karen -Hotdog Blanket Wraps

Joe & Nick-Dill Pickle & Ham Wraps

Isaac & Mitchel-Sweet Chicken & Bacon Wraps

Fun was had by all~

Hotdog Blanket Wraps

Zach's First Year At Transition

Shopping

Zach Majkowski is participating in his first year

at the Transition Program for 18-21 year old

students.  Zach is volunteering at Special

Products LLC. He is very good at assembling

small piece building projects.  Zach also

participates in cooking in which, he goes

shopping at the local Cub Foods and assists

preparing lunch and snacks.  During the

afternoon Zach has an exercise class and art class.

Zach has impressed the staff with his strong work ethic.

He likes to see a project through to the very end and

will work hard until it is completed.

State Delegates Meeting

Mackenzie Hietala

SKILLS USA held the annual state delegates meeting on November 20th at Saint Paul Technical College.  Guest speakers included US Senator Amy Klobuchar and Melvin Carter current St Paul Mayor. Our program had three students at the meeting representing the Stillwater Transition Chapter.  Mackenzie Hietala, Isaac Harrington, and Christian Finn.  Also representing our program was Mike Albers current Work Coordinator and SKILLS USA advisor.

Congratulations goes out to Isaac Harrington who was running for state officer at the conference and won!!!
We at the Transition program are very proud of your achievement and hard work Isaac! 

Christian Finn

Isaac Harrington State Officer

US Senator Amy Klobuchar