Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is proud to announce that eight students earned medals at the 60th Annual National SkillsUSA Championships held in Atlanta. This prestigious competition featured over 6,000 students from across the nation competing in 108 trade, technical, and leadership fields.

Wiregrass students competed against the best in the nation, showcasing hands-on skills in areas like electronics, electrical wiring, precision machining, medical assisting, and culinary arts. Competitions were designed, judged, and scored by industry professionals, trade associations, and labor organizations, ensuring they aligned with current industry standards.

The college had 20 students compete in 13 national competitions, with eight students earning medals across five events. Medals were awarded for gold, silver, and bronze place. In addition to medallions, some students also earned tools of the trade, scholarships, and other prizes.

Gold Medalists – National Champions

These students ranked #1 in the nation in their competitions:

• Taylor Sharfner (Lowndes County) – Associate’s Degree in General Studies, Prepared Speech | Advisor: Jason Richardson

• Ricardo Garcia (Coffee County) – Dental Assisting, Dental Assisting | Advisor: Sandi Woodward

• Timiya Burch (Coffee County) – Associate’s Degree in Occupational Studies, Career Pathways Showcase Project | Advisor: Samantha Boling

• Aaliyah Daniels (Lowndes County) – Associate’s Degree in Occupational Studies, Career Pathways Showcase Project | Advisor: Samantha Boling

• Sarah Emmanuel (Berrien County) – Dental Assisting, Career Pathways Showcase Project | Advisor: Samantha Boling

Silver Medalist

• Sarah Karagoz (Lowndes County) – Design and Media Production Technology, T-Shirt Design | Advisor: Mary Donna Pippen

Bronze Medalists

• Iris Amos (Lowndes County) – Paramedicine Associate’s Degree, Emergency Medical Technician | Advisor: Roy Bramley

• Katelyn Threatt (Berrien County) – EMS Professions, Emergency Medical Technician | Advisor: Roy Bramley

The following students also represented Wiregrass at Nationals after winning gold at the state level:

• Kris Petron (Lowndes County) – Precision Machining and Manufacturing, Automated Manufacturing Technology

• Damon Sawyer (Mitchell County) – Precision Machining and Manufacturing, Automated Manufacturing Technology

• Tyler Schweiger (Lowndes County) – Precision Machining and Manufacturing, Automated Manufacturing Technology

• Abbilyn Burke (Lowndes County) – EMS Professions, Emergency Medical Technician

• Jaden Cigola (Lowndes County) – Game Development, Interactive App/Video Game Development

• Jed Stone (Jeff Davis County) – Game Development, Interactive App/Video Game Development

• Makenna Privett (Lowndes County) – Cosmetology, Job Skill Demonstration A

• Harry Dunmire (Berrien County) – Automotive Technology, Job Skill Demonstration Open

• Tara Richardson (Lowndes County) – Medical Assisting, Medical Math

• Mason Erwin (Ben Hill County) –

  Telecommunications and Security, Telecommunications

Taylor Sharfner was awarded the national Dr. John Scott Award for earning the highest individual score in the Prepared Speech competition. Ricardo Garcia, a Dental Assisting student, made history as the first male in Wiregrass’ program to win both state and national gold in Dental Assisting. He was recognized on stage by Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA, during the opening ceremony.

“Being a member of SkillsUSA is a wonderful experience for all involved, and a great opportunity for students to build workplace and technical skills,” shared Kelley Wetherington, Director of Campus Life. “We are so proud of our students and advisors. They dedicated countless hours preparing to compete against the best in the nation, and their hard work paid off.”

SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit partnership of students, teachers, and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The organization serves high school and college students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations—including healthcare.

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is currently seeking sponsors for the 2026 SkillsUSA National Team. For more information about the program or to become a sponsor, contact Kelley Wetherington, Director of Campus Life, at [email protected] or (229) 333-2100 ext. 1237.