Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology students made their mark on the national stage last week, earning top honors at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) held in Atlanta. Competing against more than 6,500 students from across the country, our Bulldogs demonstrated the power of hands-on technical education and the strength of our career-focused programs.

This year, the College proudly supported a record number of 13 student competitors representing 10 different academic programs—each of them having already secured gold medals at the state level to earn their place at nationals. The SkillsUSA Championships is the premier event showcasing America’s most highly skilled career and technical education students, with 114 hands-on competitions judged by nearly 2,000 industry experts. It is one of the largest workforce development events in the world.

Three Thaddeus Stevens College students stood out among the best in the nation, earning national medals:

· Samuel Berryman – 1st Place in Masonry

· Anthony Battaglia – 2nd Place in Graphic Communications

· Michael Moyano – 3rd Place in Sheet Metal

The SkillsUSA Championships represent the culmination of a year-long journey that begins at the local level and progresses through regional and state competitions. Along the way, students build the technical skills, confidence, and professionalism they need to thrive in high-demand careers. Medalists may earn scholarships, professional tools, and even job offers—clear evidence of the real-world results our programs deliver.

Our 2025 national competitors included:

· Zachary Cooter – Cabinetmaking

· James Patterson – CNC 5-Axis Milling

· Garrett Morse – CNC Programmer

· Justin Cicalo – CNC 2-Axis Turning

· Josue Velazquez – Collision Damage Appraisal

· Justin Marvel – Diesel

· Anthony Battaglia – Graphic Communications

· Samuel Berryman – Masonry

· Eric Jackson & Dylan Navarrete – Mechatronics

· Abigail Butrica – Pin Design

· Michael Moyano – Sheet Metal

· Elizabeth Miles – T-Shirt Design

Each student who competed at nationals demonstrated the grit, skill, and determination that define our Bulldog community. Their success is a reflection of our mission to create access to opportunity and provide a pathway to family-sustaining careers through hands-on, industry-driven education.

We congratulate all of our SkillsUSA competitors and thank the faculty, staff, and industry partners who helped them reach this milestone. At Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, these achievements are more than individual victories—they are a testament to the transformative power of technical education and our shared commitment to building a stronger workforce and community.