BCTC students recently returned from an exciting and rewarding week at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The national competition brought together the top career and technical education students from across the country, and BCTC was proud to be well represented among them.
Two students brought home national medals:
· Owen Heimbach, from Daniel Boone Area School District, earned 2nd Place in Masonry.
· Ryan Blankenbiller, from Oley Valley School District, achieved 3rd Place in Automotive Service Technology.
In addition to these medalists, several BCTC students placed among the top competitors in the country:
· Tyler McConnell (Boyertown) placed 4th out of 39 in Cabinet Making.
· Kyle Hackenberg (Twin Valley) and Dallas Vogelei (Boyertown) placed 6th out of 39 teams in Audio/Radio Production.
· Brandon Lenhart (Brandywine) came in 9th out of 44 in Diesel Technology.
· Julian Collazo (Governor Mifflin), Dylan Ziats (Fleetwood), and Tyler Deisher (Fleetwood), and Joshua Ponce (Conrad Weiser) placed 10th out of 22 teams in Entrepreneurship.
· Jayce Iezzi (Schuylkill Valley) placed 16th out of 32 in Computer Programming.
· William Arnholt (Wilson) placed 22nd out of 29 in Internetworking.
While the competition was the main focus of the trip, students also had the chance to experience all that Atlanta has to offer. From team dinners and city sightseeing to interactive exhibits and networking events with students from across the country, the trip provided countless opportunities for personal and professional growth.
In between competition rounds, students explored iconic Atlanta landmarks like Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium, attended SkillsUSA-sponsored events, and supported one another across contest areas. The experience fostered both camaraderie and confidence, leaving students with memories, and accomplishments, that will last a lifetime.
With more than 6,500 students competing in over 100 career and leadership contests, the SkillsUSA National Conference remains the premier showcase of America’s future workforce.