Nicholas County NCCTE students win big at SkillsUSA Competition
By Star Buckner, RealWV
This past weekend, 38 students from Nicholas County Career and Technical Center (NCCTE) attended the SkillsUSA competition in Fairmont, WV. This two-day conference was held at Fairmont State University in the Feaster Center. During this event, the students put their skills to use in various competitions, including carpentry, welding, and power equipment technology.
To make it to this state-level competition, the students first competed within their own school, and those first-place winners go on to this state-level competition. This event is jam-packed with motivational guest speakers, as well as information about college or trade school opportunities. This two-day event is completely centered around the students and their future! There are vendors, corporate displays, and even a few businesses that are searching for that special student they might be able to add to their workforce.
SkillsUSA is an organization that believes in workplace readiness and helps students prepare for and succeed in skilled trades and technical disciplines. In fact, SkillsUSA is the No.1 workforce development organization for students! Their goal is to empower students to become their best for themselves and for the community in which they will live.
Tom Bayless, NCCTE Director, said that 38 students went to this event, and out of those, 23 students placed again at the state level. He said that the students prepare with instruction and skills in their daily curriculum and through some after-school practice. All students, regardless of placement, did an outstanding job. They all displayed proficiency, professionalism, and growth.
2026 Winners
Welding Sculpture: Douglas Smith – Bronze
Welding: Nate Eakle – Gold
Teamworks: Gavin Keenan, Carter Hanks, Dylan Brown, and Nathaniel Hamrick – Gold
Screen Printing Technology: Linsey Johnson – Gold
Power Equipment Technology: Maddix Tincher – Gold
Medical Terminology: Kailyn Williams – Silver
Information Technology Services: Jeremiah Mullens – Bronze
Early Childhood Education: Isabelle Conrad – Gold
Culinary Arts: Journee Meadows – Bronze
Criminal Justice: Jack McClung, Holly Johnson, Autumn Sigman, Issac Rose, and Caleb Jarrett – Bronze
Chapter Display: Addyson McPherson, Nate Noe, and Caden Brown – Gold
Outstanding Chapter: Katelyn Kessler, Troy Nguyen, and Savannah Bailey – Gold
The CTE walked away with seven gold winners, one silver, and four bronzes. Those first-place winners will move on to the national competition in Atlanta, Georgia, in June.
The NCCTE’s role in education today is vital. They offer a hands-on approach for our teens who may not wish to pursue a traditional college education. In addition, they are a great source of top-notch workplace readiness skills, such as interview preparation, public speaking, and team building.
“The SkillsUSA Early Childhood Competition has provided such a valuable opportunity to build confidence and showcase her teaching skills. It was amazing to watch her win that gold medal and prove to everyone what she is capable of,” Teresa Conrad, parent.
With the dedicated, professional instructors and a hands-on director who is passionate about seeing the kids succeed, the future looks incredibly bright for NCCTE and its students!
