WESTMINSTER, Md. — Calvert County students took some of the top prizes in their trades at this year’s SkillsUSA Maryland State Championships.
Branson Walker (plumbing), Oliver Fox (firefighting), and Abigail Zeeger (medical assisting) celebrated first-place victories in their categories at the competition on April 18 at the Carroll County Technology Center.
Additional CTA students won gold, silver and bronze in both team and individual events:
- Quiz Bowl Gold Medalists: Nicole Morgan, Kayla Jones, Liam Gutierrez, Chloe Spencer, Ty Cherry
- Health Knowledge Bowl Gold Medalists: Emily Mulholland, Sadie Pennington, Peyton Dickens, Talia Farrow-Rodriguez
- Audio Production Silver Medalists: Adrian Sanchez-Rodriguez, Nicholas McClain
- PIN Design Silver Medalist: Indira Davis
- Teamworks Silver Medalists: Brian Heffner, Dylan Tayman, Zeke Bosquez, Connor Shamburg
- Teamworks Bronze Medalists: Alliana Harris, Mateo Moore, Chaz Rogers, Ava Jacobs
- Baking and Pastry Bronze Medalist: Kristin Ziegler
- Firefighting Bronze Medalist: Ryan King
- Cosmetology Bronze Medalist: Ashtyn DeVries
Students from across the state gathered to compete, showing off their skills and technical knowledge.
In an email to The BayNet, Walker described his love for working with his hands and how his years of training helped him succeed at states.
“From a young age I worked in my grandfather’s auto repair shop, Tech1 Auto. I’ve been able to use those skills and apply them to plumbing. For the past several summers I’ve worked with TL Plumbing, which has taught me a lot about the industry. I hope to combine all I’ve learned and bring home a win at the nationals,” Walker wrote.
SkillsUSA competitions are designed to test students against rigorous industry standards; for example, in the plumbing category, Walker was judged on his ability to interpret blueprints and technical drawings; install various piping systems, such as copper, PVC and cast iron; ensure all work meets strict safety and building codes; and complete complex projects under intense time pressure. All contestants faced similar tough contests in their categories.
As state champions, the gold medalists have qualified to represent the state of Maryland at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in June. The national competition will be held from June 1 to 5 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. At the NLSC, they will compete against other state champions from around the country for a national title.
CTA has 13 programs, including plumbing, welding, cosmetology and more, with the goal of making sure students who complete the programs have the professional and technical skills to take their next steps, whether that’s entering the workforce or pursuing additional training.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!