Sixteen GACTC students competed in the 54th state SkillsUSA State Competition, which was held on Apr. 6-8 in Hershey with more than 1400 students, advisors, and administrators from career and technology schools across the state. To qualify to participate, GACTC students had to have earned Gold Medals at the District 7 SkillsUSA competition, which was held in January at the Blair County Convention Center.

SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization serving more than 395,000 members every year enrolled in trade, technical, and skilled service training programs across the country.

Three GACTC students medaled in the state competition (pictured). They are:

Gold Medalist:
Garrett Baumgartner, Carpentry; Altoona, 11th

Silver Medalist:
McKenzi Black, Power Equipment Technology; Claysburg, 11th

Bronze Medalist:
Rebekah Dick, Prepared Speech; Hollidaysburg, 10th

In addition, Devyn Amigh was awarded the Rex Wight Scholarship, which is awarded to seniors who have exhibited exemplary community service, leadership, and character, and plan to attend a post-secondary school after graduation.

Gold Medal winners will compete at the national SkillsUSA competition, which is set for June 20-25 2025 in Atlanta, Ga.

“These students left as individuals and returned as a team. Their positive support of one another was endearing to watch,” said Dodie Amigh, SkillsUSA advisor for the GACTC. “It felt so amazing to participate in person for the first time since 2020. SkillsUSA did not lose its magic during the COVID years. We picked up exactly where we left off.”