GTCC claims best-ever results in SkillsUSA national competition

"By placing first, I recognized that my decision to change careers was the correct choice to attain true happiness," Lauren Lewis (center) says.

JAMESTOWN, N.C. (June 29, 2023) – Guilford Technical Community College students claimed three gold medals and four silver medals in the June 59^th National SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta.

There were over 6,500 participants from across the United States and 510 North Carolina participants from 45 high schools, 22 community colleges and four middle schools. Placing second in the state in medal count, GTCC had a total of seven students place in the top three in the national competition and one fourth place honorable mention.

Gold medal finishers include, Lauren Lewis, collision damage appraisal; Abigail Davis and Ana Dominguez-Arias combined to capture first place in the EMT team event; and Jesus Gonzalez-Pineda, major appliance service and repair.

"GTCC had a banner year for SkillsUSA with seven national medal winners," said Jeff Faircloth, department chair for transportation and the SkillsUSA chapter advisor at GTCC. "These are the best results GTCC has ever had and is a result of many hours of hard work put in by students and their advisors, as well as a testament to the outstanding training programs offered at GTCC."

SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers, middle school, high school, and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. Through its local, state, and national competitions, students demonstrate occupational and leadership skills.

"Winning first place the Collision Damage Appraisal National SkillsUSA competition for college and post-secondary students has solidified my confidence in myself and ignited ambition that was lost for most of my life," said Lauren Lewis, GTCC student and first-place finisher. "By placing first, I recognized that my decision to change careers was the correct choice to attain true happiness. I’ve never been so passionate or worked so tirelessly for anything else in my life."

GTCC's top finishers in the SkillsUSA national competition are:

First Place

• Lauren Lewis, collision damage appraisal
• Abigail Davis, EMT (team event)
• Ana Dominguez-Arias, EMT (team event)
• Jesus Gonzalez-Pineda, major appliance service and repair

Second Place

• Dustin Aldridge, aviation maintenance
• Madison Gore, restaurant service
• Madison Luck, health occupations professional portfolio
• Daisee Ayscue, dental assisting

Fourth Place

• Garrett Stefanick, HVACR