PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Students from Calvert County Public Schools’ Career & Technology Academy (CTA) showcased exceptional talent at the 52nd Annual SkillsUSA Maryland State Championship, held March 28–29, 2025, in Carroll County. A total of 37 CTA students earned 23 medals across 17 contests, with nine securing gold medals. These top performers will represent Maryland at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia, from June 23–27, 2025.
The event highlighted CTA’s strong presence in career and technical education. Gold medalists include Dwight Brooks and Liam McGowan in Audio Radio Production, Carson McCarthy in Electrical Construction Wiring, Matthew Kaiser and Ryan King in EMT, Oliver Fox in Firefighting, and Zoie Haun, Charlee Lewis, and Jalena Mason in Outstanding Chapter. Their victories earned them a spot at the national competition, where they will compete in five categories against peers from across the United States.
with other state winners (CCPS students from L
to R, Front Row): Jirah Tendero, Ky DePhillip,
and Gabby Evans
Sciences (from L to R): Sean Rawlings, Jayden Morrison,
and Aashka Patel.
(L to R): Jack Cassidy, Ava Jacobs,
Isabella Cox-Pace, and Alina Billups
“We had a terrific weekend at this year’s SkillsUSA Maryland State Competition,” said Carrie Akins, CTA principal. “All of our students represented Calvert County with excellence, determination, and pride. We are so incredibly proud of each student that participated this year.” Akins also credited the success to the support of teachers, mentors, and community partners, noting, “This kind of success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of hard work, caring educators, and an entire community that believes in preparing students for life after high school.”
Beyond individual achievements, CTA earned prestigious accolades. The school was named a Gold Chapter of Excellence, the highest honor in the SkillsUSA Chapter Excellence Program (CEP). This recognition reflects the chapter’s integration of personal, workplace, and technical skills into its activities, a standard set by SkillsUSA to foster student development. Under advisor Sarah Jones, the chapter has climbed the CEP ranks, achieving silver status three years ago and maintaining gold for the past two years.
“Being recognized as a Gold Chapter of Excellence is a reflection of the incredible work our students and advisors put in all year,” Jones said. “CTA’s participation reflects our school’s commitment to empowering students with the skills necessary for success in their careers and lives.” She emphasized that SkillsUSA builds not only technical expertise but also leadership and teamwork abilities.
Additional honors included the selection of seniors Charlee Lewis and Gianna LiCalzi as national voting delegates for Maryland at the NLSC. Michelle Miller, a Graphic Communications teacher, was named SkillsUSA Region IV (Southern Maryland) Advisor of the Year for her contributions to the chapter’s success.
The medal haul spanned a wide range of disciplines. In EMT, alongside the gold winners, Austin Cooper and Sophia Hale took silver, while McKenna Boteler and Hunter Simpson earned bronze. Silver medals also went to teams in Crime Scene Investigation (Kayla Freeman, Alvani Generillo, Kathryn Phillips) and Teamworks Construction (Alina Billups, Jack Cassidy, Isabella Cox-Pace, Ava Jacobs). Bronze winners included Cory Moyer in Advertising Design and Indira Davis in Pin Design.
SkillsUSA, a national organization, partners with students, teachers, and industries to prepare a skilled workforce. The Maryland championship drew competitors statewide, testing their abilities in trades, technology, and service occupations. CTA’s performance underscores Calvert County’s investment in career-ready education.
As the gold medalists prepare for nationals, CTA continues to celebrate its students’ dedication and the community effort behind their achievements.
