Guilford Technical Community College students claim gold, silver at national SkillsUSA competition
Published on: June 8, 2026
Guilford Technical Community College students recently claimed one gold medal and one silver medal at the 62nd SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta.
More than 6,800 participants from across the United States competed in 15 hands-on workforce development competitions. From construction and transportation to welding, cosmetology and culinary arts, the competitions took place at the Georgia World Congress Center, which has 1.8 million square feet of space — about 31 football fields.
GTCC had 12 students participate in the national competition, with seven students finishing in the top 10 of their events. Jared Dawson, a second-year student, brought home the gold medal in aviation maintenance technology, and Amelia Shuping, a second-year student, captured the silver medal in dental assisting.
“Jared is a shining example of the quality and dedication of GTCC’s aviation systems technology students and our program as a whole,” said David Roesler, GTCC aviation systems technology instructor. “He has spent many hours preparing and has taken great steps toward his career as an aviation maintenance technician.”
“Amelia demonstrated excellence, discipline and determination on a national stage,” said Jasmin Haley, GTCC dental assisting and dental hygiene program director. “Her accomplishment reflects not only her hard work, but also the leadership and mentorship of Andrea Powell, GTCC dental assisting instructor, whose guidance helped prepare students to excel in clinical skills and professional standards.”
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.
The following is a list of GTCC’s finishers in the SkillsUSA national competition.
First-Place/Gold Medal Finisher
- Jared Dawson, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Second-Place/Silver Medal Finisher
- Amelia Shuping, Dental Assisting
Fourth-Place Finishers
- Mauricio Gomez Delgadillo, Baking and Pastry Arts
- Camden Leonard, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Tonalmitzin Guzman Perez and Mollie Lamberson, Emergency Medical Technician Team
- Jeffrey Regester, Medical Math
Sixth-Place Finisher
- Kimera Naidoo, Restaurant Service
11th-Place Finisher
- Anthony Thompson, Plumbing
13th-Place Finisher
- Zack Guill and Morgan Loman, Mechatronics Team