Oklahoma SkillsUSA students brought home 39 gold medals from the 60th National Leadership and Skills Conference, putting the Oklahoma contingent in first place in the country for gold medal recipients.
“This outstanding accomplishment reflects the world-class preparation and determination of Oklahoma’s career and technology education students,” said Kendra Alcala, state SkillsUSA adviser with Oklahoma CareerTech.
The Oklahoma delegation earned a total of 66 medals at the conference in Atlanta, Georgia, putting it in third place in the nation for total medal count, and brought home a national officer as well.
Memphis Hixson, a postsecondary precision machining student at Canadian Valley Technology Center, was elected as a SkillsUSA postsecondary national officer for 2025-26.
In addition, 145 Oklahoma students each received a Skill Point Certificate, awarded to those who show proficiency and workplace readiness in their occupational specialties. The award goes to students who meet the SkillsUSA championships technical standards.
“We are incredibly proud of our SkillsUSA Oklahoma students and instructors. Their commitment to excellence, work ethic and passion for their trades are unmatched,” Alcala said. “Success this year at NLSC is not just about medals; it’s about the powerful connection between students, education and industry.
“SkillsUSA Oklahoma extends heartfelt congratulations to all competitors, advisers and supporters who made this national achievement possible. Your dedication, preparation and perseverance are what continue to make Oklahoma a leader in career and technology education.”
SkillsUSA is one of seven CareerTech student organizations affiliated with CareerTech programs. It is affiliated with trade and industrial education. The other six are Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (family and consumer sciences education), FFA (agricultural education), DECA (marketing education), HOSA (health careers education), Business Professionals of America (business and information technology education) and Technology Student Association (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
Oklahoma CareerTech: Oklahoma’s Workforce Leader
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 63 campuses, 395 PK-12 school districts, 16 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 32 adult education and family literacy providers.
The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.
