HICKORY, N.C. — Students from Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) delivered an exceptional performance at the 2026 North Carolina SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, earning top honors across a wide range of technical and leadership competitions.

Competing against the best students from across the state, CVCC participants brought home 19 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and 8 bronze medals, along with multiple top-five finishes—demonstrating the college’s continued excellence in workforce development and student achievement.

CVCC was also recognized as a Gold Chapter of Distinction, highlighting the strength of its SkillsUSA program and overall student engagement.

Gold Medalists (1st Place)

• Advertising Design — Oralia “Naomi” Hernandez-Lozano
• Entrepreneurship Team — Riley Land, Saarah Majeed, Dhyan Patel, Xavier Springs
• Hair Coloring — Ariya Kanipe
• Industrial Motor Control (High School)— Brayden Johns
• Internet of Things — Aidan Stickle
• Job Skill Demonstration (Open) — Braedon Robinson
• Marine Service Technology — Isaac Patrick
• Marine Service Technology (High School) — Eddie Rhodes
• Outstanding Chapter Team — Isabella Donahue, Lucas Miller, Rebecca Reyes-Mejia
• Photography — Bryn Whitman
• Prepared Speech — Allyson Sullivan
• Promotional Bulletin Board Team — Elisa “Owen” Alderman, Isaac Carter, Anika Martinez
• Related Technical Math — Christopher Murphy
• Screen Printing — Dustin Hartley
• Skill Project Showcase — Hunter Becker
• Technical Computer Applications — Kelsey Queen
• T-Shirt Design — Olivia Lee
• T-Shirt Design (High School) — Jahdai Avalos-Joya

Silver Medalists (2nd Place)

• Anything But Hair — Brianna See
• Chapter Display Team (High School) — Allan Arcos-Macias, Kayden Gilliam, Isreal Trejo-Trejo
• Community Service Team (High School) — Giancarlo Ballabeni, Diana Tellez-Chavez, Kyo Yang
• Crime Scene Investigation Team — Victoria Alexander, Bella Thomas, Alexis Velazquez
• Electrical Construction Wiring (High School) — Elijah Anderson
• Electrical Construction Wiring-1 (High School) — Nolan Hoke
• Extemporaneous Speaking (High School) — Khloe James
• Marine Service Technology — Hunter Barrow
• Medical Math (High School) — Ashley Luu
• Photography — Delorise Ellsworth

Bronze Medalists (3rd Place)

• Debate Team (High School)— Kellie Herrera, Cooper Patterson
• Electrical Construction Wiring (High School)— Elijah Harrington
• Extemporaneous Speaking (High School)— Ava Parson
• Job Skill Demonstration (Open) — Colby Weldon
• Marine Service Technology — Preston Huffman
• Photography — Mark Schmitt
• Pin Design — Taylor Wayne
• Technical Computer Applications — Melissa Yang

Top Five Finishers

4th Place:

• Esthetics — Halli Grissom (Model: Autumn Fuller)
• Marine Service Technology — Ryan Seitz
• Medical Math (High School)— Alexander Juarez
• Photography — Brandon Rodriguez
• Quiz Bowl Team (High School) — Edwin Gonzales, Ezekiel Hoke, Jin Moua, Yestin Pham
• T-Shirt Design — Mee Vang

5th Place:

• Anything But Hair — Kaylee Hall
• Debate Team (High School) — Sage Fields, Noah Miller
• Electrical Construction Wiring (High School) — Isaac Hostetter
• Fantasy Hair & Makeup — Maryfer Gomez (Model: Vanessa White)
• Job Skill Demonstration (Open) (High School) — Carleigh Lancaster
• Marine Service Technology — Caden Gettys
• Nails — Jocelyn Cardenas (Model: Brinley Helms)
• Natural Hair Design & Braiding — Abby Gragg
• Photography — Charlene Snipes
• Pin Design — Gunnison Gunter
• Related Technical Math (High School) — Daniel Zhong

“We are incredibly proud of our students and the way they represent Catawba Valley Community College on the state stage,” said Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw, President of CVCC. “Their achievements reflect the quality of our programs, the dedication of our faculty and advisors, and our commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers that strengthen our communities and workforce.”

SkillsUSA plays a vital role in preparing students for today’s workforce by combining hands-on technical training with leadership development. CVCC’s continued success highlights the college’s strong alignment with industry needs and its commitment to student success.

“Behind every SkillsUSA competitor and every medal earned is a dedicated advisor making it all possible,” said Tammy Muller, Executive Director of Strategic Business Partnerships and SkillsUSA at CVCC. “Their influence reaches far beyond the competition floor—transforming classrooms, strengthening programs, and changing lives. I am honored to work alongside these exceptional educators and see firsthand the lasting impact they make on our students each day.”

For more information about CVCC’s SkillsUSA Chapter or how to get involved, contact Tammy Muller at (828) 327-7000 ext. 4323 or [email protected].