School District Five SkillsUSA Chapter shines at National Leadership and Skills Conference

For Immediate Release – July 15, 2025

School District Five SkillsUSA Chapter shines at National Leadership and Skills Conference

IRMO – The SkillsUSA chapter at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) found success once again at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia from June 23-27, 2025.

The conference this year saw over 18,000 people in attendance, with over 2,000 industry professionals, to compete, perform community service, network with potential employers, and gain amazing experiences. The Center had 30 students competing in 15 different competitions, including having the youngest competitor at the conference in 11-year-old Harper Chapman. Of the student competitors from The Center, 14 of them finished in the Top 10 nationally across 6 competitions, including 9 national placers in 3 competitions.

National Placers

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 is the fifth year in a row that The Center has had students place top three at the National level. “We have had an amazing run as a chapter since 2020, earning the title of National Model of Excellence five times, seeing over 20 students gain national medals, and seeing the growth and leadership skills developed by these amazing future professionals.” said lead advisor, Joseph Chapman. “Every student this year showed incredible work ethic, grit, and drive leading up to and at the conference. The continued success of our chapter is due to a combination of our highly skilled students, dedicated teachers, and supportive administrators. We are all so proud of everyone’s accomplishments and are excited about the continued growth of our SkillsUSA chapter for years to come.”

The Center also cheered on Avery Smith, the first ever national officer from South Carolina, as she closed out her tenure in office, proudly representing all 400,000+ SkillsUSA members nationwide, but most importantly, proudly representing the Center for Advanced Technical Studies and the district at such a prestigious level.

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 442,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965.

To learn more about the SkillsUSA chapter at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies, contact the chapter at skillsusad5@gmail.com.

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