Local students honored at annual SkillsUSA Workforce Development event

Published 12:19 am Tuesday, July 8, 2025

More than 6,500 students competed at the national showcase of career and technical education, held in Atlanta, on June 25-26. The SkillsUSA Championships is the largest skill competition in the world and covers 1.79 million square feet, equivalent to 31 football fields or 41 acres.

First place state winners were invited to the event to demonstrate their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills in 114 hands-on competitions including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance and public speaking. Industry leaders from 850 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions planned and evaluated the contestants against their standards for entry-level workers. More than 1,200 industry judges and technical committee members participated this year.

“Competing — and winning — at the national level in such diverse and demanding fields shows the strength of our programs and the bright future ahead for these talented individuals,” said Jerry Murcks, Dean of Applied Technologies at Wallace State. “This year’s achievements are especially meaningful given the heightened level of competition. Our students rose to the challenge, demonstrating resilience, skill, and professionalism on a national stage. We’re proud of their accomplishments and the continued excellence of our programs.”

Leslie Rushing of Crane Hill received a gold medal in Esthetics, while Zach Hudson of Hanceville and Isaac Daniel of Holly Pond also took the top spot on the podium for their efforts in the Mobile Robotics Technology category.

Chaden Hill of Eva and Jennfer Jester of Cullman each brought home bronze medals in Electronics Technology and Technical Computer Applications, respectively.

This was the second year Wallace State students won the gold in both Esthetics and Mobile Robotics Technology. Hudson, Daniel and Jester were all repeat contestants at this year’s national competition.

“More than 6,500 students from every state in the nation participated in the 2025 SkillsUSA Championships,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “This showcase of career and technical education demonstrates SkillsUSA at its finest. Our students, instructors and industry partners work together to ensure that every student excels. This program expands learning and career opportunities for our members.”