BY KARISSA MILLER

A dozen Career Academy and Technical School students competed in the SkillsUSA national competition and conference this summer after earning gold medals in state competitions.

Ten of the local students placed in the top 25 at the national level. The winners and categories they competed in are as follows:

♦ Tylee Pannell – 3rd place, Basic Health Care
♦ Wyatt Donahue – 3rd place, Collision Damage Appraisal
♦ Stephanie Steelman – 4th place, Collision Repair Technology
♦ Noah Fox – 10th place, Automotive Service Technology
♦ Marianna Galarza-Lozada, Cor’Alizuh Bradshaw, Nathan Grogan, and Shaelin Mejia-Galdamez – 15th place, Health Knowledge Bowl
♦ Nic Goss – 20th place, Diesel Equipment Technology
♦ Josh Suarez – 21st place, Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
♦ Regan Nelson – 23rd place, Nail Care

The SkillsUSA event was held the week of June 24 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The event featured more than 16,000 students, teachers and education leaders from around the country.

“We were excited to be a part of the National SkillsUSA and for our students to have that
experience,” Principal Larry Rogers said.

“Our students work hard to compete and win at these events. Our teachers work hard to provide
the opportunity for them to go,” he added. “We look forward to taking more students and hopefully continuing the winning streak, but most importantly giving rich experiences that empower our students to become career-ready.

In April 54 CATS students won a total of 29 medals at the state competition.

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a workforce development organization for students which aims to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. SkillsUSA is a nonprofit that serves high school, college and middle school students who are preparing for careers or further education in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. Visit HERE to learn more.

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