Clarkesville, GA – North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) brought home top awards from the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) held in Atlanta. The NGTC SkillsUSA Chapter earned five medals and tied with Savannah Tech for the top position of medals received by Georgia postsecondary chapters at the national competition.
Emma Charron of Winder, Ga., claimed gold in Nurse Assisting. Dinah Bragg of Blue Ridge, Ga.; Jaden Mansbridge of Blairsville, Ga.; Elizabeth Morris of Dawsonville, Ga.; and Skylar Sneed of Mineral Bluff, Ga., claimed bronze in the Health Knowledge Bowl.
Students from the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) earned 36 medals at the 2026 SkillsUSA NLSC in Atlanta, helping Georgia secure its position as the sixth-highest medal-winning state in the nation.
TCSG competitors captured 17 gold, 6 silver, and 13 bronze medals during the national competition, which brought together more than 19,000 students, educators, and industry partners from across the country to showcase excellence in career and technical education. Combined with Georgia’s secondary division competitors, the state earned a total of 55 national medals, placing Georgia sixth nationally in overall medal count.
“Georgia’s SkillsUSA competitors continue to demonstrate the talent, determination, and technical expertise that define the strength of our workforce,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier.“These students have proven themselves among the best in the nation, and their success reflects the outstanding instruction, industry partnerships, and workforce-focused education taking place every day across our 22 technical colleges.”
Georgia also received recognition beyond the competition floor. SkillsUSA Georgia Postsecondary was honored as a state association for its membership growth during the 2025–2026 academic year, highlighting the continued expansion of student engagement in career and technical education programs across the state.
“On behalf of North Georgia Technical College, I commend our students, faculty, and advisers on their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Conference,” said NGTC President John Wilkinson. “I am tremendously proud of our gold and bronze medalists for their outstanding success. I look forward to seeing each of these students excel in their future endeavors.”
“Earning both gold and bronze medals at the 2026 National Leadership and Skills Conference is a testament to the talent, perseverance, and teamwork of our students,” said Katie Johnson, NGTC assistant director of secondary initiatives and SkillsUSA adviser. “We celebrate not only the medals but also the commitment and growth that made these achievements possible. Our students also brought home several industry recognition certificates. It is such a privilege to be a small part our students’ journey. Congratulations to our 2026 national competitors!”
Other students who competed and represented NGTC included Julie Amara of Blairsville, Ga., in Practical Nursing; Lydia Bryant of Dahlonega, Ga., in First Aid/CPR; Brinlee Koch of Toccoa, Ga., in Photography; Grayson Rafala of Eastanollee, Ga., in Automotive Service Technology; and Matthew Justus of Danielsville, Ga., Cole Shelton of Cleveland, Ga., and Cooper Smith of Cleveland, Ga., in Welding Fabrication.
SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers, and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The organization serves more than 400,000 members annually and is recognized as one of the nation’s premier career and technical student organizations. For more information regarding North Georgia Technical College programs, admission, or student organizations, visit northgatech.edu or call 706-754-7700.
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