CHATTANOOGA, TN -- A collection of 11 talented technical skills competitors from Chattanooga State Community College this month participated in the 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, bringing home medals in four categories.

“Competing at the national level requires exceptional talent and determination,” said Mike Mercer, Co-Lead Adviser for ChattState’s SkillsUSA chapter. “Their hard work and passion have earned them these gold and silver medals. We are honored to support such talented individuals." 

Chattanooga State’s medalists are:

Gold

• Community Service: Team of Tia Bowers, Kam Johnson, D’Andre Johnson
• Employment Application Process: Alissya Popoca
• Opening & Closing Ceremonies: Team of Matthew Nelson, Daeja Beckom, Sarah Kirk, Breanna Holloway, Amanda Sovago-Royal, Emmalea Linebarger, Breanna Foster

Silver

• Job Interview: Shelby Defore

After more than 30 ChattState students won gold medals at the SkillsUSA statewide competition this spring, the college community gathered in June to send those medalists off to the national conference in style.

College President Dr. Rebecca Ashford, along with Weston Wamp, Hamilton County mayor, and Tim Kelly, Chattanooga mayor, spoke during the send-off ceremony. View photos and videos from the June SkillsUSA celebration.

Earlier this year, ChattState's SkillsUSA chapter was one of only two TBR colleges to be recognized as a Models of Excellence Chapter for 2024, the highest honor bestowed upon chapters. They were among only 24 chapters from across the nation selected and the only college-level institutions selected in the Technical Skills category.

SkillsUSA’s National Conference is the largest gathering of students who comprise America’s future skilled workforce. The annual week-long conference is a celebration of excellence in career and technical education.