Two students won gold as defending champions, and four students won silver at the event held in June in Atlanta, Ga.
For the second consecutive year, Wayne State College students Hailey Hoffman of Columbus, Neb., and John Mann of Norfolk, Neb., won the gold medal in the Robotics (Urban Search and Rescue) category during the SkillsUSA National Championships at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) held June 23-27 in Atlanta, Ga.
Hoffman and Mann are also the two-time defending Nebraska state champions in the same category.
Four other Wayne State students won silver medals in Atlanta.
Roger Meraz of Atlanta, Ga., won a silver medal in the Advertising Design category. Joe Grone of Dixon, Neb., Jackson Nordhues of Syracuse, Neb., and Brett Staab of Pierson, Iowa, won the silver medal in the Chapter Display category.
Several other Wayne State students competed but did not receive medals. The students, and their respective categories, were:
Promotional Bulletin Board
Craig – Jon Dixon
Springfield – Jolene Trumble
Wakefield – Jeremiah Chase
First Aid/CPR
Schuyler – Maddie Prochaska
Related Technical Math
South Sioux City – Xavier Pedroza
Welding Sculpture
Manning, Iowa – Quentin Dreyer
“Representing Wayne State College and Nebraska at the national competition was a huge honor,” said Hoffman, a Wayne State senior and president of SkillsUSA at Wayne State. “We pushed past our limits, had ups and downs, and succeeded as a chapter, which let us bring home medals and memories. I am so proud of the Wayne State College chapter, and I can't wait to see what they do next year.”
The SkillsUSA organization helps students develop personal skills such as integrity, work ethic, professionalism, responsibility, adaptability, flexibility, and self-motivation. Students involved also gain communication, decision making, teamwork, multicultural sensitivity and awareness, planning, organization, and management and leadership skills.
Learn more about SkillsUSA at Wayne State
About the SkillsUSA NLSC
SkillsUSA’s NLSC is the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce and the ultimate recognition of excellence in career and technical education. Held in Atlanta each June, the NLSC is a week-long celebration of the skilled trades and the accomplishments of career-ready leaders from across the United States. The event brings together more than 16,000 attendees, including students, instructors, industry partners, government officials, administrators and more, according to the SkillsUSA website.
Each year, approximately 6,000 state champions compete for national gold, silver, and bronze medals in about 115 skilled and leadership competitions. The event provides Atlanta with an economic impact of $28 million.