ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Thirty-two secondary students from Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) claimed first-place honors in their respective categories at the recent SkillsUSA Maryland Leadership and Skills Conference, highlighting the district’s strength in career and technical education. An additional 25 students secured second place, and 24 others finished third, representing both the Centers of Applied Technology (CAT) and all 14 AACPS comprehensive high schools.
The conference, held annually to test students’ technical and leadership skills, saw AACPS participants shine across multiple disciplines. The 32 first-place winners now qualify to compete at the 61st annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, scheduled for June 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. This national event, one of the largest showcases of Career and Technical Education (CTE) talent in the United States, draws top students from across the country to demonstrate their expertise in fields ranging from construction to culinary arts.
Beyond individual achievements, AACPS students earned leadership roles at the state level. Two students were elected as SkillsUSA Maryland State Officers, positions that involve guiding the organization’s initiatives throughout the year. Two others were selected as national voting delegates, granting them a voice in shaping SkillsUSA’s future at the national conference.
Faculty recognition also underscored the district’s success. Sarah Skinner, an instructor at CAT North, was named the SkillsUSA Maryland Region III Advisor of the Year for her dedication to mentoring students in the program. Her leadership has been instrumental in preparing competitors, according to SkillsUSA Maryland’s official announcement.
Chapter awards further highlighted AACPS’s accomplishments. The Baking & Pastry chapter at CAT North received the Gold Chapter Award of Excellence, a distinction recognizing outstanding performance and organization. Meanwhile, Old Mill High School and Severn Run High School each earned Bronze Chapter Awards, reflecting their strong contributions to the SkillsUSA community.
SkillsUSA, a national nonprofit partnership of students, teachers, and industry professionals, aims to prepare students for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. The Maryland conference serves as a proving ground, with competitions designed to mirror real-world job scenarios. Events include welding, automotive repair, and culinary challenges, among others, as outlined on the SkillsUSA Maryland website.
The success of AACPS students aligns with broader trends in CTE growth. According to the U.S. Department of Education, enrollment in CTE programs has risen steadily over the past decade as schools emphasize workforce readiness alongside academic achievement. For Anne Arundel County, this performance builds on a legacy of excellence, with past participants advancing to national competitions and securing scholarships or job offers, per historical data from SkillsUSA.org.
The 32 state champions will now prepare for the national stage, where they’ll face off against peers from all 50 states. The Atlanta conference, expected to draw thousands of attendees, will feature over 100 competitive events, leadership workshops, and industry networking opportunities. For AACPS, the event represents a chance to further elevate its reputation in CTE education.
For a complete list of medalists, click here.
