From Georgia Gold to the National Stage: Wiregrass Students Head to SkillsUSA Championships
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026
The Wiregrass Georgia Technical College SkillsUSA Team will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, June 1–5, 2026, to attend the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) and National Championships.
The week-long event is one of the nation’s premier showcases of career and technical education, drawing more than 19,000 students, instructors, industry partners, and employers from across the country. More than 6,500 state champions will compete for national honors in over 100 skilled and leadership competitions.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College will have four state gold medalists representing both the college and the state of Georgia in national competition. The students hail from communities across South Georgia:
- Benjamin Cook of Ocilla – Telecommunications Cabling
- Makhya Powell of Valdosta – Job Skills Demonstration
- Alexis Ramirez of Hahira – Dental Assisting
- Hannah Wisenbaker of Valdosta – T-Shirt Design
In addition to competing against the top students from across the nation, students will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders and explore emerging technologies at SkillsUSA TECHSPO, the nation’s largest technical education trade show.
“SkillsUSA provides students with opportunities to demonstrate their technical skills while also developing leadership, workplace, and professional skills that prepare them for successful careers,” said Kelley Wetherington, Director of Campus Life, Lead SkillsUSA Advisor. “We are incredibly proud of these students for earning the opportunity to represent Georgia and Wiregrass on the national stage.”
The SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference brings together students, educators, and industry partners from across the country to celebrate excellence in career and technical education while promoting leadership, teamwork, and career readiness.
SkillsUSA is one of the nation’s largest workforce development organizations, empowering students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members through career and technical education.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College continues to prepare students for high-demand careers through hands-on training, industry partnerships, and leadership development opportunities. For more information about programs at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, visit www.wiregrass.edu.
