ATLANTA — Bridget Long, a recent South River High School graduate, won a gold medal in the Culinary Arts competition, leading a strong performance by Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) students at the SkillsUSA National Championships in Atlanta in June 2025. Long, representing the Center of Applied Technology (CAT) South, earned a full scholarship to the Culinary Institute of America in New York and an invitation to compete in the World Food Championships. AACPS students also secured two bronze medals and eight top-10 finishes at the event, which showcased over 6,500 state champions across 114 competitions.
Long’s gold medal performance required her to design and prepare a five-course menu, demonstrating technical culinary skills, time management, professionalism, and adherence to food safety standards, alongside passing a written certification exam. “There were high level competitors at nationals; the level of talent was incredible,” said Long, pictured with CAT South teacher Chef Pam Klink. “SkillsUSA taught me about industry professionalism and enforced that diligence and hard work really do pay off. I’m excited to use this win as a way to kick-start my career in the culinary industry.”
CAT North student Isabella Izquieta-Cochamanidis earned a bronze medal in the Restaurant Service competition, showcasing her expertise in customer interaction and service protocols. A team from Severna Park High School, comprising Holly Braughton, Jackson DuPee, Evelyn Elder, and Tilu Nomm, took bronze in the Entrepreneurship competition, highlighting their ability to develop and present a business plan. The SkillsUSA Championships, held annually as part of the National Leadership and Skills Conference, serve as the premier platform for career and technical education students to demonstrate their abilities.
Eight other AACPS students placed in the top 10 in their categories. Maya Foy-Filer (CAT South) finished fourth in Job Interview, Morgon Staples (CAT North) took fifth in Internetworking, and Kai Marcalus (CAT South) placed sixth in Action Skills. A team from CAT North, consisting of Akira Carter, Cynthia Noumy, and Denise Walker, earned seventh in Career Pathways Showcase: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Gabriela Avalos Reyes secured eighth in Barbering, Mason Seitz (CAT North) placed ninth in Plumbing, and Ashley Collins (CAT North) and Sylvia Calabrese (CAT South) finished 10th in Graphic Communications and Prepared Speech, respectively.
“Our Centers of Applied Technology and Career and Technical Education programming at our high schools are second to none and our students amaze me every time I see them in action,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell. “When we focus on creating spaces where every student can Belong, Grow, and Succeed, this is the result. These are students we’ll be hearing about for years to come, and I congratulate them all.”
The SkillsUSA Championships bring together top performers from state-level competitions, testing their skills in trades, leadership, and technical fields. Competitors are evaluated by industry professionals, ensuring alignment with real-world standards. Long’s culinary challenge, for example, mirrored professional kitchen demands, requiring precision under time constraints. Similarly, the Restaurant Service competition assessed Izquieta-Cochamanidis on her ability to handle high-pressure service scenarios, while the Entrepreneurship team demonstrated strategic thinking and teamwork.
AACPS’s success reflects the strength of its career and technical education programs, particularly at CAT South and CAT North, which prepare students for industries ranging from culinary arts to plumbing. The Centers of Applied Technology offer hands-on training, blending classroom instruction with practical experience. This approach equips students to excel in national competitions and pursue careers in high-demand fields.
The scholarship awarded to Long underscores the tangible benefits of SkillsUSA participation. The Culinary Institute of America, a leading institution for culinary education, provides a pathway to professional success, while the World Food Championships offer a global stage for culinary talent. For other medalists and top finishers, the recognition enhances their resumes and opens doors to apprenticeships, scholarships, and job opportunities.
The SkillsUSA organization, founded in 1965, supports over 400,000 students and educators annually, fostering skills development through competitions, leadership training, and industry partnerships. The national event in Atlanta draws thousands of participants, educators, and industry representatives, creating a vibrant environment for networking and skill demonstration. AACPS’s consistent performance at this level highlights the district’s commitment to preparing students for post-secondary success.
