May 14, 2025
Rutherford County Schools
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Students from LaVergne, Oakland, Riverdale, Rockvale, Siegel, Smyrna and Stewarts Creek high schools represented Rutherford County Schools at the annual SkillsUSA Tennessee State Leadership and Skills Conference April 13-16.
They were among more than 4,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students, advisors, industry partners, and community leaders from across the Volunteer State.
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure that America has a skilled workforce. Through hands-on competitions, leadership development training, and employer engagement, SkillsUSA empowers students to become career-ready professionals and responsible leaders in their communities. With over 4,700 secondary members in Tennessee alone, SkillsUSA plays a crucial role in supporting technical education and preparing students for success in today’s job market.
The SkillsUSA Championships are career competition events that showcase the best career and technical education students in the state, reward students for excellence, involve industry in directly evaluating student performance, and keep training relevant to employers’ needs.
Competing in a wide range of events—from culinary arts, mechatronics, and information technology to cosmetology—these talented students demonstrated the breadth and diversity of career and technical education in the district. Their professionalism, technical skill, and leadership throughout the conference earned praise from judges and industry professionals alike.
Students who took home state titles will be eligible to represent Tennessee at the national level this June in Atlanta at the National Leadership and Skills Conference. The top honors in Rutherford County were:
STATE CHAMPIONS ADVANCING TO NATIONALS
- Photography – Riverdale High: Lily Meredith
- Promotional Bulletin Board – Riverdale High: Lilia Vaquez-Ramirez, Bayleigh Dean, Ruby Scrimager
- Community Service Project – Riverdale High: Estefania Rivas-Rodriguez, Jade James, Kiyrsten Berry
- Information Technology Services – Lavergne High: Hannah Stanfill
- Telecommunications Cabling – Lavergne High: Joshua Love
- Career Pathway Showcase – Lavergne High: Josselyn Guillien, Andre Cotten, LaVora Pullom
- Engineering Technology Design – Oakland High: Nick Bradford, Clark Edge, Vance Hutchings
- Commercial sUAS Drone – Oakland High: Sophia Frisby, Bennett Payne
- Electronics Technology – Oakland High: Samuel Dowling
- Career Pathways – Rockvale High: Tiffany Smith, Azlyn Kirskey, Deni Jones
- Entrepreneurship – Rockvale High: Zoey Helcher, Kate Revett, Sophia Wormack, Angela Souyavong
- Baking and Pastry – Rockvale High: Angelique Atanacio
- Career Pathways Showcase – Siegel High: Skylerr Meadows, Gatlin Snetsinger, Caleb Lockley
- Action Skills – Siegel High: Peyton Gortney
- Plumbing – Smyrna High: Luis Ayala-Fuentes
- Graphic Imaging Sublimation – Rockvale High: Daphen Ragsdale
STATE RUNNER-UPS
- Advertising Design – Siegel High: Kaylynn Nasser
- Graphic Imaging & Sublimation – Siegel High: Kay Snowder
- Promotional Bulletin Board – Siegel High: Hadassah Green, Milo Menck, Shayla Roberson
- 3-D Visualization – Siegel High: Rosa Stockdale, Caiden Lester
- Criminal Justice – Rockvale High: Marek Bragg
- Diesel Equipment Technology – Riverdale High: Aidyn Scott
- Related Technical Math – Oakland High: Parker Prater
- Early Childhood Education – Rockvale High: Emma Rogers
- Information Technology – Rockvale High: Robert Palmer
- Marine Service Technology – Oakland High: Copper Moore
STATE THIRD PLACE
- Action Skills – Siegel High: Isabella Conde
- Chapter Display – Oakland High: Harley Arevalo-Quintana, Denaja Gray, Trinity Beverly
- Graphic Imaging Sublimation – Rockvale High: Drake Fisk
- Employment Application – Rockvale High: Madison Seay
- Automotive Refinishing Technology – Rockvale High: Nadar Abskharon
- Graphic Communications– Riverdale High: Nyree Whitesell
- Job Interview– Riverdale High: Sierra Saengpheth
- Audio Production– Lavergne High: Ronald Miguel Jovel, Mirus Woodson
ADDITIONAL COMPETITORS
LaVergne High:
- SkillsUSA: Payton Nolan
- Prepared Speaking: Jamia Elliott
- Nail Care: Natalia Venega
- Esthetics: Thayre Martinez
- Video News Production: Will Benton, Kelly Cabacungan, Jamyla Duke, Colton Rawaan
Riverdale High:
- Restaurant Service: Savi Vasquez-Ramirez
- Cosmetology: Hayleigh Mitchell
- Nail Care: Jaliah Turner
- Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair: Blake Boldin
- Automotive Service Technology: Johnathan Turner
- Power Equipment Technology: De’Shawn Herrin
- Digital Cinema Production: Christian McConnell, Tyler Pilgrim
- Video Production: Daniel Rorabaugh, Tyler Hansen, Tony Chanthongthip, Jae’Sean Woods
- Photography: Lily Powers
- Advertising Design: Kayla Shaw
- Graphic Communications: Fern Angel-Chiw
- Criminal Justice: Charles “Dallas” Tedder
- Mock Trial: Mia Kirk, Dillinger Schmitz, Acklan Malaikham
- Suitcase Display Occupational: Bailey Marquez, Shila Roche, Isabella Padilla
- Action Skills: Danielle Clark
- Job Demonstration: Alexis Polk, Hunter Williams
Siegel High School's Digital Arts chapter was awarded the Silver Medal Level of Distinction through the SkillsUSA Chapter Excellence Program—a prestigious honor that emphasizes the chapter's outstanding integration of the SkillsUSA Framework into its program of work. This recognition reflects the chapter’s commitment to developing student leadership, personal responsibility, and technical proficiency through purposeful, industry-relevant activities. By aligning their annual action plan with the Framework’s focus on personal, workplace, and technical skills, Siegel’s Digital Arts chapter has created meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Achieving the Silver Level illustrates the chapter’s dedication to fostering student growth and excellence, positioning them among the top-performing SkillsUSA programs in the state.
Scholarship Winner – Riverdale’s Aidyn Scott
Riverdale High School student Aidyn Scott was awarded an impressive $8,000 scholarship, along with $500 in tool prizes, at the 2025 SkillsUSA Tennessee State Leadership and Skills Conference. This accolade highlights Aidyn’s exceptional skill and dedication in Diesel Equipment Technology.
Film Premiere – School of Frights by Will Benton, LaVergne High
LaVergne Senior and Chapter President Will Benton showcased his creative and technical talents with the debut of his original feature film, School of Frights, at the SkillsUSA Broadcasting event. As the producer, director, and editor, Will brought a compelling student-led project to life on the conference stage, capturing both the audience's attention and the spirit of innovation.
Leadership Experiences- LaVergne High School
Several members from LaVergne SkillsUSA participated in opportunities to showcase their leadership skills and commitment to the organization. Jamia Elliott was a 2025–2026 SkillsUSA Tennessee State Officer Candidate. Candidates must deeply comprehend the SkillsUSA mission, take part in interviews, and follow SkillsUSA's high standards, which positively reflect on their chapter and school. Jordyn Fillmore was a member of the 2025 Courtesy Corps, ensuring smooth conference logistics and VIP events, playing a crucial role in providing a seamless SkillsUSA experience for competitors and guests. Kenya Clayborn and Payton Nolan served as official voting delegates, where they participated in key sessions, including the State Officer Candidate Meet and Greet and the Voting Delegate Meeting, assisting in electing next year’s state leaders.