Valdosta, GA— Eighteen students from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College are headed to the National SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta this June after winning gold medals at the state-wide SkillsUSA Championship this past weekend. The college had a great showing bringing home 18 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze medals. For the seventh year in a row, Wiregrass was recognized as a Gold Chapter of Distinction level award winner and was recognized as second place in the largest chapter membership for the state.
For the seventh year, the Wiregrass SkillsUSA chapter earned a Gold Chapter of Distinction award for chapter projects that are both service-oriented and practical learning experiences for students. With the support of advisors, students plan and execute the projects, which requires teamwork, communication, planning, and management skills, in addition to applying their technical skills.
Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements shared, “Wiregrass students continue to impress with their hard work, talent, and dedication to their career fields. This year’s outstanding medal count is a testament to their commitment and the exceptional guidance of our advisors. I’m incredibly proud of the time and effort our faculty and mentors have invested to ensure our students are competing at the highest level—and it shows. We’re excited to carry this momentum forward as we prepare for Nationals in June."
These Wiregrass students who won gold will represent Wiregrass Georgia Tech at the SkillsUSA National Championships:
Kris Petron, Precision Machining and Manufacturing, Valdosta Campus in Automated Manufacturing Tech
Damon Sawyer, Precision Machining and Manufacturing, Valdosta Campus in Automated Manufacturing Tech
Tyler Schweiger, Precision Machining and Manufacturing, Valdosta Campus in Automated Manufacturing Tech
Timiya Burch, Dental Assisting, Valdosta Campus in Career Pathways Showcase Health Sciences
Aaliya Daniels, Dental Assisting, Valdosta Campus in Career Pathways Showcase Health Sciences
Sarah Emanuel, Dental Assisting, Valdosta Campus in Career Pathways Showcase Health Sciences
Ricardo Garcia, Dental Assisting, Valdosta Campus in Dental Assisting
Iris Amos, EMS Professions, Valdosta Campus in Emergency Medical Tech
Katelyn Threatt, EMS Professions, Valdosta Campus in Emergency Medical Tech
Abbilyn Burke, EMS Professions, Valdosta Campus in Emergency Medical Tech
Jaden Cigola, Game Development, Valdosta Campus in Interactive App/Video Game Development
Jed Stone, Game Development, Valdosta Campus in Interactive App/Video Game Development
Makenna Privett, Cosmetology, Valdosta Campus in Job Skill Demo A
Harry Dunmire, Automotive Technology, Valdosta Campus in Job Skill Demo Open
Tara Richardson, Medical Assistant, Valdosta Campus in Medical Math
Taylor Sharfner, Associate of Science in General Studies, Valdosta Campus in Prepared Speech
Mason Erwin, Telecommunications and Security, Ben Hill-Irwin Campus in Telecommunications
Sarah Karagoz, Design and Media Production Technology, Valdosta Campus in T-Shirt Design
Silver medal winners from Wiregrass were:
Emily Mejia, Culinary Arts, Valdosta Campus in Baking and Pastry Arts
Ana Espinoza, Dental Assisting, Valdosta Campus in Dental Assisting
Laura Garza, EMS Professions, Valdosta Campus in First Aid-CPR
Ethan Hiers, Game Development, Valdosta Campus in Interactive App/Video Game Development
Jordan Hill, Game Development, Valdosta Campus in Interactive App/Video Game Development
Students who won bronze medals at the state level were:
Lima Nicholas, Automotive Technology, Valdosta Campus in Auto Service Tech
Sophia Dowdy, Cosmetology, Valdosta Campus in Cosmetology
Dashon Cromwell, Design Media Production, Valdosta Campus in Digital Cinema Production
Emmanuel Williams, Design Media Production, Valdosta Campus in Digital Cinema Production
Addison Well, Cosmetology, Valdosta Campus in Job Skills Demo Open
Deon Braswell, Networking Specialist, Valdosta Campus in Pin Design
Other college participants include Henry Shelby, Jordan Shivar, Charlie Barnard, Ludora Jones, Tedria Martin, Dean Mernagh, Zach Mize, Whitney King, John Lee, Alecia Dunmire, Chris Burkhart, Brandon King, Marya Walker, Kaitlin Neal,Cody Williams, Jessica Kwak, Carmen Phillips, Atharv Rana, Treasia Strirup, Nancy Ann Monyague, Lora Smith, TJ Arroyo, Jai Hendrix, Brianna Mejia, Bryan Korec, Hendrix Grimes, Kalin Vollrath, Joseph Minter, December Holland, Najee Moore, Taylor Rogers, and Rosemary Martinez. . Wiregrass Advisors who worked with these students include Darron Lanier, Toby Heard, Hunter Wills, Samantha Boling, Leigh Ingra, Julie Drexler, Sean Strickland, Sandi Woodward, John Patten, Shawn Tatham, Tim Drexler, Tabora Temple, Amanda Garnto, and Dakota Knudsen. Kelley Wetherington, Director of Campus Life, serves as the SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor for the college.
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers, high school, and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skills service occupations. The SkillsUSA program hosts local, state, and national competitions for students to showcase their skills learned through hands-on training in the classroom. For more information about Wiregrass’ SkillsUSA chapter or other student organizations and programs, visit wiregrass.edu. During March, the college is waiving the application fees when you apply for Summer or Fall Semesters. Summer classes begin May 13 and Fall starts August 12. Visit Wiregrass.edu to learn more about the programs Wiregrass offers.
