Impressively showcasing its talent in career and technical education, North Carolina’s students recently secured 79 medals at the 61st annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. This achievement placed them second among all states for medal totals, with community college participants claiming 47 of these medals.
The conference, which took place from June 1-5 in Atlanta, gathered over 19,000 attendees, including 7,000 competitors nationwide. North Carolina’s delegation, consisting of over 530 individuals from 74 educational institutions, ranked among the top five in attendance.
Competing in 178 contests, 270 students from North Carolina demonstrated exceptional skills, with 29% earning medals and 69% achieving top ten placements. The state’s participants garnered a total of 25 gold, 23 silver, and 31 bronze medals, all having previously won first place in their respective events at the SkillsUSA North Carolina State Conference.
Achievements of Community Colleges
Leading the charge, North Carolina’s community college delegation, comprising 121 students from 26 colleges and supported by 99 instructors, achieved notable success. They won 47 medals across 28 contests, with 39% of participants medaling and 88% placing in the top ten.
“These results prove our students are among the best in the country,” stated Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System. “The second-highest medal count in the nation reflects the rigorous, high-caliber technical education happening in our classrooms every day.”
High and Middle School Success
North Carolina’s public school students also excelled. High school participants earned 22 medals, with 17% of competitors medaling and 47% finishing in the top ten. Middle school students shone brightly, capturing 10 medals, with every competitor placing in the top ten of their events.
“North Carolina students just brought home 79 medals from the SkillsUSA national championships, second in the country,” noted Maurice “Mo” Green, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction. He emphasized the role of public schools and community colleges in shaping the future workforce.
Statistical Highlights
- Community colleges: 121 contestants, 47 medals, 88% in top ten
- High school: 129 contestants, 22 medals, 47% in top ten
- Middle school: 20 contestants, 10 medals, 100% in top ten
Trey Michael, NCDPI’s senior director for CTE, highlighted the practical skills students gained, saying, “SkillsUSA puts our students face-to-face with the standards of industry.”
National Recognition
- Nash Community College named a national Model of Excellence
- Brody Pettipas elected SkillsUSA National Region 2 Vice President
- SkillsUSA North Carolina received awards for membership growth
- Eight state officers completed LEVERAGE training and participated in elections
- Over 20 educators served on national contest committees
Paul Heidepriem, SkillsUSA North Carolina Executive Director, praised the students and teachers, stating, “Our teachers and instructors are ensuring that the Framework of Personal, Workplace and Technical Skills is developed in each classroom.”
The strong performance follows a record year for North Carolina CTE, with public school students earning 382,964 industry-recognized credentials in 2024–25.
Gold Medalists
- Promotional Bulletin Board: Brandon Hamblin, Seth Rumbough, Ayven Turner – West Henderson High School
- Promotional Bulletin Board: Madison Franklin, Allie Thompson, Amelia Wanner – Avery Middle School
Silver Medalists
- Outstanding Chapter: Tenley Hodges, Noel Miles, Saunders Stephenson – Cranberry Middle School
- Pin Design: Lillian Lagarde – Carrboro High School
- Quiz Bowl: Max Elyashev, Donovan Gill, Matthew Jeon, Keerthibhooshan Veerichetty, Jerry Zhang – Green Hope High School
- Robotics Urban Search & Rescue: Ethan Arellano, Jackson Bollinger – Kannapolis Middle School
Bronze Medalists
- Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair: Ethan Kesegich – West Stanly High School
- Collision Repair Technology: Adam Miller – Vernon Malone College & Career Academy
- Commercial sUAS Drone: Nilan Gonzalez, Tristian Moeschet – Douglas Byrd High School
- Cyber Security: Aryan Patil, Arush Wadhawan – Green Hope High School
- Internetworking: Zane Melton – Wilkes Community College (CCP)
- Prepared Speech: Parker Oakley – Cranberry Middle School
- Principles of Engineering-Technology: Jesus Cabrera-Hernandez – Edgecombe Community College (CCP)
- T-Shirt Design: Matilda Gragg – Avery Middle School
- Teamworks: Logan Butts, Bradley Ruse, Anderson Tant, Finn Thompson – Jacksonville High School
- Welding Sculpture: Olivia Rabon – East Davidson High School
A comprehensive list of North Carolina medalists is available at SkillsUSAnc.org.
About the North Carolina Community College System
The North Carolina Community College System supports workforce development and provides affordable education through its 58 colleges. Serving 600,000 students annually, it awards over 60,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates. More details can be found at nccommunitycolleges.edu.
About the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
The NCDPI implements public school laws for grades pre-K through 12, providing leadership and support to schools across the state.
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA, founded in 1965, is a nonprofit organization that enhances the nation’s skilled workforce through education-industry partnerships. It supports students in developing workplace and technical skills. For more information, visit SkillsUSA.org and SkillsUSAnc.org.
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