Dallas Bekkala, an automotive technology student at UP Virtual Academy, placed fourth in the nation at the SkillsUSA National Championships in the Automotive Service Technology division.
Bekkala said the national competition was significantly more challenging than regional and state competitions.
“Nationals were just like states were to regionals. Bigger, nicer vehicles, and just more in depth,” Bekkala said. “Every single time, regionals, states, nationals, the first station I did I’ve always bombed out on. I’ve never done well on the first one. But then after that, I pick up and I’m doing good.”
His fourth-place finish ranks him among the top automotive technology students in the nation and demonstrates his technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Bekkala, who represents the Copper Country, plans to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps following graduation and will depart for training in early 2027.
For more information about Copper Country ISD’s Career and Technical Education programs, visit the district’s website.
