IRMO – The SkillsUSA chapter at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies continues to shine on the national stage. Students from the Center recently returned from the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia with top honors, including three national medals and 14 top-10 finishes.
The annual event, held June 23–27, welcomed over 18,000 attendees, including more than 2,000 industry professionals. Students competed in a variety of career-based competitions, participated in community service, and connected with employers from across the country.
The Center sent 30 students to compete in 15 different categories, with standout performances across the board. Among the competitors was 11-year-old Harper Chapman, the youngest participant at the entire conference.
National Medal Winners
-
1st Place, Outstanding Chapter – Landon Evans, Kinstyn Foster, Shea Moseley
-
2nd Place, Occupational Health & Safety – Multiple – Layla Ali, Bria Cardinal, Anna Halligan
-
3rd Place, Occupational Health & Safety – Single – Harrison Faulkenburg, Mia Moran Lemus, Elliott Owens
Top 10 Finishers
-
4th Place, Prepared Speech – Middle School – Harper Chapman
-
5th Place, Health Occupations Professional Portfolio – Taylor Brophy
-
7th Place, Internet of Things – Smart Home – Evan Gill
-
10th Place, Cyber Security – Robert Cosola, Landon Reid
This marks the fifth straight year that The Center’s SkillsUSA chapter has brought home national medals. “Since 2020, we’ve earned National Model of Excellence honors five times and over 20 students have medaled nationally,” said lead advisor Joseph Chapman. “This year’s students showed incredible determination and drive. Their success is a reflection of our talented students, dedicated staff, and supportive administration.”
The conference also marked a milestone for Avery Smith, South Carolina’s first-ever national SkillsUSA officer. Avery concluded her term representing over 400,000 members nationwide and served as a proud ambassador for both the Center and School District Five.
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is the nation’s leading career and technical student organization, representing more than 442,000 members and preparing students to become skilled professionals and leaders in over 130 career pathways.
To learn more about the SkillsUSA chapter at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies, contact [email protected].
