GWINNETT— At the National SkillsUSA Post-Secondary State Leadership and Skills Conference, hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, from June 24 to 29, 2024, Gwinnett Tech students made an impressive showing. Out of the 25 Gwinnett Tech students who competed across 14 contests accompanied by 14 advisors, 18 placed, and 13 earned gold medals.
Additionally, Gwinnett Tech had ten students named Skill Point Honorees. SkillsUSA recognizes competitors who achieve a benchmark score—typically 80% or higher—set by business and industry partners.
Dr. D. Glen Cannon, the president, emphasized that these competition results demonstrate the exceptional educational foundation of Gwinnett Tech students and their ability to apply their learning in real-world situations. “The winners at both the national and state competitions affirm that our students are well-prepared for the job market.”
The Gwinnett Tech 2024 national award recipients include:
Gold Medalists:
- Harveen Banga, Meagan Cash, Sebastian Hoyas, and Keturah Polius Hazell (Health Knowledge Bowl)
- Olugbenga Bakare, Karen Escario, Lily Lieng, Jeffery Miles, Carmen Monroe, Adriana Teodoro (Quiz Bowl)
- Anh Do (Technical Computer Applications, Skill Point Award)
- Duy Do (Related Technical Math, Skill Point Award)
- Iris Kim (Medical Math, Skill Point Award)
Silver Medalists:
- Sharon Broady, Raquel Kangalee, and Shagufta Khan (Outstanding Chapter, Skill Point Award)
Bronze Medalists:
- Joshua McGee (Extemporaneous Speech, Skill Point Award)
- Mikayla Schorr (Baking and Pastry Arts)
Skill Point Awards:
- Rayyan Surani (Computer Programming)
- Drake Hamilton (Culinary Arts)
- Byron Jones (Pin Design)
The Gwinnett Tech SkillsUSA chapter received recognition for its contributions to students and the community. The chapter earned two awards: Level 1 Chapter of Distinction (Chapter of Excellence Program Quality Chapter) and Level 2 Chapter of Distinction (Gold Level-Winning Chapter). These titles are bestowed upon chapters that organize high-quality professional development, focusing on students’ personal, workplace, and technical skills. Additionally, our chapter participated in the President’s Volunteer Service Award, securing three Gold-level chapter awards. Notably, student Kayden Cash received the silver-level individual award. Individuals and teams must accumulate 500+ hours of volunteer work within 12 months to attain a gold-level award. For the silver-level award, the requirement is 250+ hours of volunteer work.
SkillsUSA’s mission centers on empowering its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA contributes to enhancing America’s skilled workforce through structured programs in citizenship, leadership, employability, and technical and professional skills training. Furthermore, SkillsUSA plays a crucial role in establishing industry standards for job skill training in lab and classroom settings while promoting community service.
Gwinnett Tech offers over 140 degree, diploma, and certificate options that can be completed in two years or less. For more information, visit GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.
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About Gwinnett Tech: Gwinnett Technical College, one of Georgia’s largest technical colleges, is committed to delivering relevant knowledge to meet the workforce training needs of its community. The college offers more than 140 associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs, as well as hundreds of seminars, workshops, and courses that provide specialized training. Gwinnett Tech is Gwinnett County’s largest corporate training provider and serves residents and businesses in north Fulton County. Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call for questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College. In addition, some college programs hold separate licensure or accreditation status with appropriate agencies. For more information, visit GwinnettTech.edu. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia