Clarkesville, Ga. – North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) students showcased their skills at the recent Postsecondary SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, bringing home an impressive 11 medals across various disciplines.
Gold medalists from NGTC included:
- Victor Baer of Macon, Ga., and Robert Jones of Cornelia, Ga., in Video Production
- Laney Ertzberger of Clermont, Ga., in Photography
- Riley Moody of Clarkesville, Ga., and Summer Stewart of Marietta, Ga., in Digital Cinema Production
- Margaret Stuart of Morganton, Ga., in Registered Nursing
- Lindsey Giles of Hiawassee, Ga., Shaunda Queen of Epworth, Ga., and Mackena Settles of Young Harris, Ga., in Health Knowledge Bowl
- Kaitlyn Crosby of Rabun Gap, Ga., in Welding
- Dylan Lynn of Covington, Ga., Samuel Logan of Blairsville, Ga., and Austin Fairless of Young Harris, Ga., in Welding Fabrication
The college also celebrated several silver and bronze medalists:
- Elain Brown of Clarkesville, Ga., earned silver in Photography
- Ryleah Campbell of Copperhill, Tenn., claimed silver in Restaurant Services
- Emily Murphy of Commerce, Ga., placed bronze in Photography
- Noah Casey of Clarkesville, Ga., won bronze in Culinary Arts
- Kelsey Harris of Young Harris, Ga., earned bronze in Practical Nursing
Additionally, several other NGTC students represented the college in the competition, including Cosmetology student Lydia Newton of Mineral Bluff, Ga.; Culinary Arts students Emily Martin of Royston, Ga., and Kaelin Kuhn of Commerce, Ga.; and Practical Nursing students Alexis Young of Blairsville, Ga., Haley Ensley of Blue Ridge, Ga., Britany Evans of Morganton, Ga., Holly Passmore of Blairsville, Ga., and Tiffany Plemons of Morganton, Ga.
“I am tremendously proud of our students, faculty, and staff who participated in the recent SkillsUSA State Conference in Atlanta,” said NGTC President John Wilkinson. “Having the opportunity to witness our students showcase their skills was truly inspirational. It was a very successful day for our NGTC competitors, and we wish our state winners much success as they move into national competition later this year.”
Katie Johnson, NGTC Assistant Director of Secondary Initiatives and SkillsUSA Lead Advisor, also expressed her pride in the students’ achievements. “Congratulations to our NGTC students and faculty advisors on a very successful SkillsUSA State Conference,” she said. “Our students, with the guidance of their advisors, have been preparing for these competitions since the fall semester – some longer. The dedication and work ethic displayed by our students and their advisors are to be commended. We look forward to witnessing their success at the national competition this summer.”
SkillsUSA, a career and technical student organization, plays a crucial role in developing citizenship, technical, leadership, and teamwork skills essential for students preparing for the workforce and further education. The gold medalists will advance to the National SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference and Competition, scheduled for June 23-27, 2025, in Atlanta.
