PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Students from the Calvert County Public Schools Career & Technology Academy (CTA) earned national recognition for their exceptional technical and leadership skills at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.
The conference was held June 16–20 in Atlanta, Georgia and CCPS students competing alongside more than 6,000 of the nation’s most talented career and technical education students. Calvert County Public Schools CTA students brought home medals, several top 10 finishes, and unforgettable memories.
Three students earned spots on the national stage as medalists:
- Oliver Fox – 2nd place in the nation in Firefighting
- Dwight Brooks and Liam McGowan – 3rd place in the nation in Audio Radio Production
Medalists were recognized in front of thousands during the closing ceremony, celebrating their elite-level performances in these career-focused events.
Two additional teams from CTA placed among the top 10 in the country:
- Charlee Lewis, Gianna LiCalzi, and Jalena Mason – 6th place in Outstanding Chapter
- Kayla Freeman, Alvani Generillo, and Kathryn Phillips – 6th place in Crime Scene Investigation
The results reflect not only individual talent but also months of preparation, practice, and perseverance. “The work these students put in behind the scenes was incredible,” said Sarah Jones, lead advisor for CTA’s SkillsUSA chapter. “They didn’t just learn how to perform tasks; they learned how to problem-solve, lead, and thrive under pressure. Seeing them succeed at this level is what SkillsUSA is all about.”
As a co-curricular experience for Career and Technical Education (CTE) students, SkillsUSA Nationals tests both technical proficiency and professional readiness across more than 100 competitions. Events mirror industry expectations and require real-world decision-making, collaboration, and precision.
Principal Carrie Akins reflected on the impact of the competition: “It’s powerful to watch our students step into these national arenas and show that they belong. Their achievements are more than just medals. They’re proof that hands-on learning and CTE change lives. Our students are leaving high school not only with confidence, but with credentials, experience, and direction.”
SkillsUSA is one of the nation’s most respected Career and Technical Student Organizations, supporting the development of world-class workers and leaders. As part of CTE in Calvert County Public Schools, SkillsUSA empowers students through competition, service, and career- readiness training that aligns directly with industry needs.
For more information about SkillsUSA or CTE programs in Calvert County Public Schools, visit www.cta.calvertnet.k12.md.us.