Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology students once again proved they can compete with the best in the nation, earning seven national medals and several top-15 finishes at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Representing programs across the College, 18 Bulldogs advanced to the national stage after capturing state championships and demonstrating exceptional technical skill. Competing against top students from across the country, Thaddeus Stevens College students showcased the hands-on training and industry readiness that define the Bulldog experience.
Leading the way was Justin Cicalo, who earned a national championship in CNC 5-Axis Milling Programmer, bringing home a gold medal and the title of best in the nation in his competition.
The College also celebrated two silver medal finishes. Matthew Keller earned second place in Architectural Drafting, while the Welding Fabrication Team of William Wingard, Ashley Miller, and Nicholas Bradigan captured second place against some of the country’s most skilled fabrication students.
Bronze medals were awarded to Daniel Riggins in CNC Programmer and Caleb Valentine in Sheet Metal, giving the College five podium finishes and seven medals at the national competition.
Additional strong performances included:
- Owen Pierce: 4th Place, CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer
- Bryanna Epstein: 5th Place, Graphic Communication
- Kaden Grisaf and Owen Sayenga: 5th Place, Web Design Team
- Marcus Rodriguez: 8th Place, CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer
- Leon Cassier: 8th Place, Telecommunications Cabling
- Reagan Osborne: 9th Place, Automotive Refinishing Technology
- Samantha Vieli: 12th Place, Collision Damage Appraisal
- Damien Ortlip and Nicholas Meridionale: 14th Place, Mechatronics Team
- Elizabeth Miles: 14th Place, Pin Design
The results build on the College’s strong recent history at SkillsUSA nationals. In 2025, Bulldogs earned three national medals, including a national championship in Masonry.
SkillsUSA is one of the nation’s premier workforce development events, bringing together thousands of career and technical education students to demonstrate their abilities in real-world, industry-driven competitions. Competitors are evaluated by professionals using standards that mirror today’s workforce expectations, making success at the national level a significant achievement.
For Thaddeus Stevens College students, these accomplishments reflect more than competition results. They demonstrate the value of practical learning focused on industry needs and the opportunities created through technical education. Students spend their time mastering the skills employers demand while preparing for careers that offer family-thriving wages and long-term success.
As the architect of opportunity, Thaddeus Stevens College remains committed to helping students transform their futures through accessible, high-quality technical education. The accomplishments of this year’s SkillsUSA competitors demonstrate how that mission continues to create pathways to success while strengthening the workforce across Pennsylvania and beyond.
The College congratulates all 18 national competitors for representing the Bulldog community with skill, professionalism, and pride.