ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — Two students from St. Mary’s County earned silver medals at the national SkillsUSA competition, contributing to Maryland’s strong showing at the 62nd Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.
Abigail Eberly won silver in Basic Health Care Skills, and Jaclyn Ryan earned silver in Facilithon (Facility Maintenance). Both students attend Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center in St. Mary’s County Public Schools.
Maryland sent a delegation of 165 Career and Technical Education students who competed in 92 events against more than 6,800 students from across the country. The state finished with nine medals and had 76 students place in the top 10 nationally.
Gold medals went to Maryland students in Career Pathways Business Management and Technology, Occupational Health and Safety, and Sheet Metal. Silver medals were awarded in Community Service, Digital Cinema Production, Firefighting, Nurse Assisting, and Photography, along with the two St. Mary’s County wins. Bronze medals were earned in Architectural Drafting, Basic Health Care Skills, Facilithon, Health Occupations Professional Portfolio, and Welding.
SkillsUSA chapters at the Center of Applied Technology North in Anne Arundel County and Thomas Edison High School of Technology in Montgomery County received national Models of Excellence honors. Josie Wolfe, a Baking and Pastry Arts instructor at the Center of Applied Technology North, received a national Outstanding Educator Award.
State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright praised the students’ performance. “Maryland’s SkillsUSA students continue to demonstrate exceptional skill, determination, and professionalism,” Wright said. “Their achievements at the national level reflect the strength of our career and technical education programs and the commitment of educators who prepare students for success in high-demand fields.”
SkillsUSA Maryland has several thousand CTE high school members statewide. Students participate in leadership development and competitive events throughout the year. The national conference brings together students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
The results highlight the quality of career and technical education programs across Maryland, including in Southern Maryland, where students are training for careers in health care, facility maintenance, welding, and other technical fields that support the regional workforce.
