Nash Community College sent six students and five advisors to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) held in Atlanta from June 24-28.

“I cannot begin to express how proud I am every year of all our competitors,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “Each year when we receive the results, I am immediately reminded, as I am every day, of the commitment our instructors and staff truly have to every Nighthawk that walks through our doors.”

The SkillsUSA Championships served as the 59^th occurrence of the conference and hosted over 17,800 attendees.

Among them were over 6,540 state contest winners, representing a diverse range of 110 hands-on trade, technical, and leadership contests. Notably, 510 North Carolinians from 37 high schools, 17 community colleges, and 5 middle schools participated in this grand event.

The following winners were from Nash Community College:

• Adrienne Williamson – Williamson competed in Job Skill Demonstration A and earned a prestigious skill point certificate. This accolade recognizes her high level of skill and competence in her demonstration.
• Lindsey Judd – Judd competed in Cosmetology. She earned a skill point certificate. This accolade recognizes her dedication and high-quality training received at NCC.
• Troy Chappell – Chappell competed in 3-Axis Milling Programming, earning his Autodesk Certified User certificate. This certification is highly regarded in the industry and validates Troy’s proficiency in Autodesk software, which is essential for advanced manufacturing and design processes.
• Drindzle Hall and William Medford – Hall and Medford competed in the Robotics and Automation Technology competition. The team placed fourth in the nation.
• Mitchell Jones – Jones competed in the Technical Computer Applications event and earned himself a bronze medal (third in the nation). Additionally, he earned a skill point certificate and an IC3 certification (which is crucial as it validates digital literacy skills essential for success in today’s technology-driven world).
• Troy Chappell (student) and Jason Brannan (instructor) – Chappell and Brannan earned the Autodesk Certified User certification (which is crucial for students and professionals in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing). The certification provides industry-recognized validation of skills in Autodesk software, enhancing employability and career prospects. As an NCC Instructor, this showcases Brannan’s commitment to guiding students with up-to-date industry knowledge and skills.
• Amber Greer and Wanda Tyson – NCC Instructors Greer and Tyson presented SkillsUSA Academy of Excellence on “Integrating Employability Skills in Every College Class—Answering Industry’s Call,” demonstrating their commitment to enhancing education and responding to industry needs. In 2023, NCC was named 1 of 24 in the nation to schools designated as a ‘Model of Excellence,’ the highest and most competitive honor of an institution in SkillsUSA. This is a dedication to the continued hard work and passion expressed by students, staff and faculty members of Team NASH.

The skill point certificate in SkillsUSA is awarded to students who achieve top scores in their respective competitions. It signifies exceptional proficiency and mastery of the skills required in their field, setting a high standard for excellence.

“We are extremely proud of all our students, and it’s important to note that not every student who wins a medal receives a skill point certificate,” said Wanda Tyson, department chair of applied engineering technologies and SkillsUSA chapter lead advisor at NCC. “This makes the achievement even more unique, highlighting those who have excelled above and beyond in their specific skills.”

Pride is extended beyond just NCC staff and faculty for the students, it is also expressed by family members.

“Mitchell Jones’s (student) mother told me that she “almost tore her phone up” with excitement as she watched the ceremony on her phone,” said Tyson. “I wish I had a video of her reaction to his accomplishments, and she was extremely proud and excited for him. That’s why we do what we do.”