Wilkesboro, N.C. – Wilkes Community College (WCC) students soared to success at the 60th Annual SkillsUSA North Carolina Leadership and Skills Conference, held April 8–11, 2025, bringing home an impressive 33 medals, including 14 golds, and cementing WCC’s status as a statewide leader in career and technical education.

With 63 student competitors, including 17 Career & College Promise (CCP) high school students, WCC stood out as one of the top-performing schools in the state. Among the wins: 14 first-place gold medals, 14 silver medals, two bronze medals, and three fifth place finishes remarkable achievement reflecting the dedication and talent of both students and instructors. Every single WCC competitor placed in the top 25 in the state, with 33 students placing in the top five.

We would also like to give a big thank you to the Millers Creek, North Wilkesboro, and Wilkesboro Fire Departments for all they do to help make this event a success. Their presence, support, and dedication are deeply appreciated and play a vital role in ensuring a safe and impactful experience for our participants.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our students,” said Jamie Reavis, WCC SkillsUSA advisor. “They worked incredibly hard and showed that Wilkes Community College leads not only in education but in leadership, technical ability, and drive. These results are a testament to their determination—and to the unwavering support of our faculty, staff, and community.”

 Gold Medal Winners Headed to Nationals

The 14 gold medalists will go on to represent North Carolina and Wilkes Community College at the 60th SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, taking place June 23–27, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Our students also received scholarships, tools, and equipment to help them further their education and careers,” added Reavis. “They’re proving that they have the real-world skills needed to succeed—and that they’re ready to lead the workforce of tomorrow.”

 Celebrating Student Excellence

Top Finishers from Wilkes Community College include:

  • Leah Clarke              Automotive Refinishing Tech. (CCP)            1st Place
  • Benjamin Collins             Cyber Security Team F                       1st Place
  • Derrick Rivas               Cyber Security Team F                       1st Place
  • Jacob Cox                 Electrical Construction Wiring (CCP)1st Place
  • Rylan Hawkins          Power Equipment Technology            1st Place
  • Dylan Rivera              Telecommunications Cabling             1st Place
  • Ivey Sanders           Web Design Team B                          1st Place
  • Julie Summerlin       Web Design Team B                          1st Place
  • Jonathan Bumgardner    Welding Fabrication Team H (CCP)  1st Place
  • James Holbrook         Welding Fabrication Team H (CCP)  1st Place
  • Rhett Hudson           Welding Fabrication Team H (CCP)  1st Place
  • Joshua Lyman             Welding Fabrication Team H             1st Place
  • Roger Lyon                Welding Fabrication Team H             1st Place
  • Grayson Watson            Welding Fabrication Team H             1st Place
  • Madison Coleman          Additive Manufacturing                     2nd Place
  • Ethan Jacko               Additive Manufacturing                     2nd Place
  • Gradyn Graham           Electrical Construction Wiring 1(CCP)2nd Place
  • Taner Estes                Industrial Motor Control                     2nd Place
  • Zane Melton             Internetworking (CCP)                       2nd Place
  • Matthew Rivera              Power Equipment Technology            2nd Place
  • Brennan Arnder             Team Works                                       2nd Place
  • Gavin Dowell             Team Works                                       2nd Place
  • Eli Greene             Team Works                                       2nd Place
  • Dusty Sigmon            Team Works                                       2nd Place
  • Parker Hamby             Telecommunications Cabling             2nd Place
  • Lila Barcenas          Welding Fabrication (CCP)                2nd Place
  • Tyler Barnes             Welding Fabrication (CCP)                2nd Place
  • Robbie Dunning          Welding Fabrication (CCP)                2nd Place
  • Dale Royal               Diesel Equipment Technology            3rd Place
  • Brandon Winkler           Power Equipment Technology            3rd Place
  • Garrett Mahaffey        Architectural Drafting                        5th Place
  • Dalton Blevins            Automotive Refinishing Technology  5th Place
  • Bambi Bogue              T-Shirt Design                                     5th Place

 

Community Support Makes the Difference

Wilkes Community College proudly hosted the SkillsUSA Northwest Region Rally and Career Showcase, the largest gathering in state history, and credits much of its success to strong community backing.

Window World, Inc. served as the lead sponsor for this year’s SkillsUSA initiatives, providing vital support that helped make this success possible.

WCC would like to express heartfelt thanks to its many supporters, including:

 Local Sponsors: Parker’s Building Supply, McNeill Nissan, Flowers Auto Parts, Colors Edge, Home Builders Association of Wilkes and Yadkin, John Deere with James River Equipment, L&A Emergency, Lowe’s Home Improvement, ARC 3 Welding Supply, regional fire departments, PHCC of NC, Snap-on Tools, Triad Freightliner, and more.

 Individual and Organizational Donors: Duke Energy, Carolina West Wireless, Town of North Wilkesboro, Nathan Bell, David Brown, Emily Call, Jody Call, John Cothren, Sabrienna Edwards, Steven Foster, Matthew Ham, Bryan Hartzog, Karen Kennedy, Mark McNeill, Nina Miller, Jamie Reavis, Kathie Rider, Patricia Riley, Judy Sheperd, Andrea Smith and Stacie Taylor.

“Through their generosity, we are able to offer life-changing opportunities to our students,” said Allison Phillips, Executive Director of the WCC Foundation. “Donations to the Annual Fund Drive, especially those designated to the SkillsUSA club, help WCC students shine at state and national levels.”

 About WCC SkillsUSA Club

Founded in 2005, the WCC SkillsUSA Club has grown from 12 students to a powerhouse of career and technical talent. SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers, and industry leaders working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. WCC students participate in year-round training and outreach and annually host regional conferences that bring together hundreds of future professionals.

Wilkes Community College remains committed to preparing students for success in a dynamic world. As a proud member of the North Carolina Community College System, WCC serves Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties with a legacy of excellence in education and workforce development.

For more information about supporting SkillsUSA at WCC, contact Jamie Reavis at 336-838-6192 or ljreavis691@wilkescc.edu. To contribute to the WCC Foundation, call 336-838-6491 or send donations to WCC Foundation, P.O. Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC 28697

Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC has a proud history of meeting the educational,

cultural, and workforce needs of our community. As we look to the future, Wilkes Community College provides programs, resources, and services that create quality educational, economic development, and cultural opportunities. WCC aspires to be an effective, learner-centered institution and a dynamic learning organization, preparing students for success in a changing world.

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