GWINNETT – Gwinnett Tech students had an impressive showing at the National SkillsUSA, Post Secondary State Leadership and Skills Conference hosted June 19-23, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia, of the 20 Gwinnett Tech students who competed this year in 12 different contests, accompanied by 12 advisors, 17 students placed, with 13 earning gold medals.
In addition, Gwinnett Tech had ten students named Skill Point Honorees. SkillsUSA honors competitors who reach a benchmark score, typically 80% or higher, set by business and industry partners.
Dr. D. Glen Cannon, president, says, “Our students’ results at this competition continue to prove that their educational foundation is exceptional and that they can apply their learning in real-world situations. The winners at both the national and state competitions confirm our students are also ready to compete in the real-world job market.” The National SkillsUSA Championships showcase the abilities of post-secondary students through hands-on competitions in leadership, health occupations, trades/industry, and technology.
The Gwinnett Tech 2023 national award winners were:
Gold Medalist:
- Elcie Julmis, Medical Terminology, Skill Point Award
- Raquel Kangalee, Prepared Speech, Skill Point Award
- Letisha Smith, Health Occupations Professional Portfolio, Skill Point Award
- Rayyan Surani, Related Technical Math
- Deborah Paulaukaitis, Keturah Polius-Hazell, Nishi Sotkovsky, Moneice Watson, Health Knowledge Bowl, Skill Point Award
- Olugbenga Bakare, Lily Lieng, Jeff Miles, Samuel Price, Adriana Teodoro, Quiz Bowl
Silver Medalists:
- Eric Nims and Elizabeth Sheba, Web Design & Development
Bronze Medalists:
- Shagufta Khan, Job Interview, Skill Point Award
- Anh Do, Technical Computer Applications, Skill Point Award
The Gwinnett Tech SkillsUSA chapter was also recognized with two chapter awards: Level 1 Chapter of Distinction – Chapter of Excellence Program Quality Chapter, and Level 2 Chapter of Distinction GOLD Level-Winning Chapter for its contributions to our students and community. These titles are awarded to chapters that organize high-quality professional development of students’ personal, workplace, and technical skills. Our chapter also participated in the President’s Volunteer Service Award, winning five GOLD-level chapter awards. Two of our students, Shagufta Khan and Lamekia Bass, won GOLD-level individual awards. To be awarded a gold-level award, individuals and teams must accrue 500+ hours of volunteer work in a 12-month period.
SkillsUSA’s mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA improves the quality of America’s skilled workforce through a structured program of citizenship, leadership, employability, and technical and professional skills training. SkillsUSA programs also help to establish industry standards for job skill training in the lab and classroom and promote community service.
Gwinnett Tech offers more than 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.
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 degree, diploma, and certificate programs and hundreds of seminars, workshops, and courses providing 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.