Southern Maryland students stood out on the national stage as members of the Maryland delegation at the 62nd Annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, showcasing career and technical education excellence.
Students from Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center in St. Mary’s County earned multiple medals and top-10 finishes, highlighting the strength of local CTE programs in preparing youth for high-demand careers.
Abigail Eberly captured a silver medal in Basic Health Care Skills, while Jaclyn Ryan earned silver in Facilithon (Facility Maintenance). Both represent strong showings in health and technical service fields critical to the region.
In Career Pathways – Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, a team of Southern Maryland students — Ryder Pobst, Armirah Gonzales and Abigail Aina — placed fifth nationally. Addison Keen added a fifth-place finish in Dental Assisting.
Cassandra Thompson secured an eighth-place finish in Principles of Engineering Technology. In Audio Production, Vere Lotmore and Nicholas Hutchison took ninth. These accomplishments underscore diverse talents in health sciences, agriculture, engineering and creative technical fields.
The Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center serves students across St. Mary’s County, offering hands-on training that aligns with regional workforce needs in healthcare, skilled trades and emerging technologies. Participation in SkillsUSA builds not only technical proficiency but also leadership, teamwork and problem-solving abilities valued by employers.
SkillsUSA Maryland sent 165 CTE students to compete in 92 events against more than 6,800 peers from across the country. Maryland students overall secured 13 medals and 76 top-10 placements, with gold medals in areas such as Career Pathways Business Management and Technology, Occupational Health and Safety, and Sheet Metal.
State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright praised the delegation’s performance. “Maryland’s SkillsUSA students continue to demonstrate exceptional skill, determination, and professionalism,” Wright said. “Their achievements at the national level reflect the strength of our career and technical education programs and the commitment of educators who prepare students for success in high-demand fields.”
For Southern Maryland families and educators, these results affirm the value of investing in CTE pathways. Programs at centers like Forrest equip students with certifications and real-world experience, often leading to immediate employment or advanced training after graduation.
The national conference draws participants from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. SkillsUSA Maryland boasts a statewide membership of about 5,700 high school CTE students who engage in year-round leadership and competitive activities.
Local medalists and top placers now return as role models, inspiring peers in St. Mary’s County to pursue excellence in technical education. Their success contributes to a pipeline of skilled workers ready to support Southern Maryland’s economy in healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing and beyond.
