IRMO – Students from The Center for Advanced Technical Studies once again showcased their talents at the SkillsUSA South Carolina State Leadership and Skills Conference, bringing home numerous awards across a wide range of career and technical fields. The competition, held throughout March, featured over 1,500 students competing in more than 100 events.
This year, nearly 80 students from The Center participated in various individual and team competitions, including their first-ever middle school competitor. Many of these winners will now advance to the SkillsUSA National Championships in Atlanta, Georgia, this June.
The Center also had two students, Molly Albert and David Dobbe, run for State Officer positions for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. Despite a record-breaking number of candidates, both were successfully elected. They will officially learn their titles following in-person leadership training this summer before heading to nationals.
“We are very proud of our students’ hard work and dedication,” said Chapter Lead Advisor Joseph Chapman. “Not only did they perform well in competition, but they also demonstrated professionalism, perseverance, and passion for their fields. Their success is a testament to their commitment and the outstanding guidance of their teachers.”
School District Five SkillsUSA State Competition Winners:
1st Place Winners:
- Action Skills: Solana Taylor
- Audio-Radio Production (Team of 2): Isabella Fabbio, Jessica Wessinger
- Community Service (Team of 3): Miracle Harris, Makayla Heinz, Paris Young
- Cyber Security (Team of 2): Robert Cosola, Landon Reid
- Digital Cinema Production (Team of 2): Taylor Raymond, Dahlila Redner
- Health Occupations Portfolio: Taylor Brophy
- Internet of Things (IoT) – Smart Home: Evan Gill
- Internetworking: Jonah DeRenzo
- Mobile Robotics Technology (Team of 2): David Martinez, Emily Rhode
- Occupational Health & Safety – Multiple (Team of 3): Layla Ali, Bria Cardinal, Anna Halligan
- Occupational Health & Safety – Single (Team of 3): Harrison Faulkenburg, Mia Moran Lemus, Pearl Owens
- Outstanding Chapter (Team of 3): Kinstyn Foster, Shea Moseley, Trilby Whitley
- Photography: Amelia Price
- Prepared Speech (Middle School): Harper Chapman
- Video News Production (Team of 4): Johanna Bugg, Layla Martin, Victoria Reyes, Claire Tanner
- Wedding Cake Decorating (Team of 2) – State Only Competition: Coryn Speights, Maya Turner
Additional Winners:
- Numerous students also placed 2nd or 3rd in various competitions, including Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair, Electrical Construction Wiring, and T-Shirt Design.
Looking Ahead to Nationals
The success at the state level means that several students will now prepare for the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta. The national event will bring together the best student competitors from across the country, where they will compete for top honors in their respective fields.
With such a strong showing at the state level, the future looks bright for The Center’s SkillsUSA chapter. Congratulations to all the winners and best of luck to those heading to nationals!
