HICKORY, N.C. — Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) once again demonstrated its national leadership in career and technical education, earning multiple honors at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference held June 1-5 in Atlanta, Georgia. 

CVCC students brought home three gold medals, two silver medals, two bronze medals, and numerous top ten finishes while competing against the nation’s best career and technical education students. In addition, CVCC was recognized as a Gold Chapter of Distinction and captured the prestigious Outstanding Chapter Award in the postsecondary division. 

More than 18,000 students, teachers, and education leaders from across the United States and its territories participated in the annual conference, which features more than 100 hands-on technical, skilled trade, and leadership competitions. 

CVCC was represented by 23 competitors across 16 competitions, with students earning national recognition in a wide range of technical and leadership events. 

Gold Medalists 

• Outstanding Chapter (Postsecondary): Isabella Donahue, Lucas Miller, and Rebecca Reyes-Mejia 

• Screen Printing Technology: Dustin Hartley 

In addition, CVCC earned national recognition as a Gold Chapter of Distinction. 

Silver Medalists 

• Entrepreneurship: Kayden Harrington, Riley Land, Dhyan Patel, and Xavier Springs 

• Prepared Speech: Allyson Sullivan 

Bronze Medalists 

• Photography: Bryn Whitman 

• Promotional Bulletin Board: Owen Anderson, Isaac Carter, and Anika Martinez 

Top Ten National Finishes 

• Job Skill Demonstration Open: Braedon Robinson (5th place) 

• Related Technical Math: Christopher Murphy (5th place) 

• Internet of Things: Aidan Stickle (6th place) 

• Marine Service Technology: Isaac Patrick (6th place) 

• T-Shirt Design: Olivia Lee (7th place) 

• Technical Computer Applications: Kelsey Queen (8th place) 

• Advertising Design: Naomi Hernandez-Lozano (10th place) 

“SkillsUSA provides students with opportunities to demonstrate not only technical excellence, but also leadership, professionalism, and career readiness,” said Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, president of Catawba Valley Community College. “These students have represented CVCC, our region, and the state of North Carolina with distinction. Their success reflects countless hours of preparation, the dedication of our faculty and advisors, and the strength of career and technical education at CVCC.” 

Tammy Muller, Executive Director of Strategic Business Partnerships and SkillsUSA at CVCC, said the accomplishments reflect a culture of excellence that extends far beyond competition. 

“Our students continue to prove that they can compete with the very best in the nation,” Muller said. “What makes me most proud is watching them grow as leaders, professionals, and confident young adults. These accomplishments are possible because of the commitment of our advisors, faculty, administrators, and industry partners who invest in our students every day.” 

CVCC’s SkillsUSA advisors and chaperones included Hope Carroll, Aden Cranford, Christy Lefevers, Kim Poole, Gary Muller, Tammy Muller, Joe Young, Ramie Robinson, Angela Chatham, Jessica Guyer, Allison Stone, and Rene Spry. 

SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers, and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Through leadership development, workplace readiness training, and technical skill competitions, SkillsUSA prepares students to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible citizens. 

To learn more about CVCC’s SkillsUSA Chapter and career and technical education programs, visit cvcc.edu. 

Photo: (L to R): Lucas Miller, Rebecca Reyes-Mejia, Isabella Donahue, Outstanding Chapter