Delaware student delegation excels at SkillsUSA national conference

Delaware students brought home six national championships at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta earlier this month, also earning 44 industry-recognized Skill Point Certificates. A record 119 students and advisors represented Delaware, demonstrating the knowledge, technical skills, and professionalism that prepare students for success in high-demand careers.

These accomplishments show students applying their learning, solving problems, and demonstrating the technical and professional skills employers value. They also reflect the work happening every day in Delaware public schools, where educators, families, and industry partners are helping students build pathways to successful futures.

The results cap a year of unprecedented growth for SkillsUSA Delaware, which reached record highs with 1,233 student members and 20 active chapters statewide. The growth reflects increasing opportunities for students to engage in career-connected learning and gain experience aligned to Delaware's workforce needs.

"Delaware students showed what is possible when we connect strong teaching with real-world opportunity," Secretary of Education Cindy Marten said. "These students did not just compete. They applied their learning, solved problems, demonstrated professionalism, and showed the technical skills employers are looking for right now. Their success reflects their own hard work and the daily commitment of educators, families, and industry partners who are helping students discover what they are good at, build confidence, and see a future for themselves. That is the shared work in front of us: making sure every student has access to the kinds of learning experiences that open doors."

Delaware students earned national gold medals in the following competitions:

• Building Maintenance - Lucas Jarrell, Delcastle Technical High School (New Castle County Vocational Technical School District)

• Crime Scene Investigation - Dakota Dunston, Antonia McCoy, and Mia Tritapoe, Sussex Technical High School (Sussex Technical School District)

• Internetworking - Scott Slack, POLYTECH High School (POLYTECH School District)

• Screen Printing Technology - Devin Jones, Delcastle Technical High School

Additional Accomplishments

• Delaware students earned top-15 finishes in 17 additional national competitions.

• Nicholas Fletcher of Delcastle Technical High School earned a top-four finish in Internet of Things Smart Home.

• Landon Ferrell and Gadiel Lopez of Sussex Technical High School earned a top-four finish in Digital Cinema Production.

• 44 students earned Skill Point Certificates, an industry-recognized credential validating technical proficiency and workplace readiness.

SkillsUSA Delaware is the state association of SkillsUSA, a national partnership of students, educators, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Through career and technical education, SkillsUSA helps students develop the technical, workplace, and leadership skills employers demand. Learn more at: https://delawareskillsusa.org/

Media contact: Alison May, [email protected], 302-735-4006