Saturday, April 12, 2025

Schuylkill County STC Students Take First Place at Statewide SkillsUSA Conference

Students from both the North and South campuses of the Schuylkill Technology Center (STC) showcased their skills and talents at the 57th Annual SkillsUSA Pennsylvania State Leadership and Skills Conference, held April 3–4, 2025, at The Hershey Lodge.

Competing against top students from career and technical centers across Pennsylvania, seven STC students represented their districts in a variety of technical and leadership skill categories.

Two students from STC took top honors in their competitions, earning gold medals and the opportunity to represent Pennsylvania at the national SkillsUSA Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, this June.

Top State Finishers:

  • Jaylynn Endicott (Shenandoah Valley) placed 1st in Esthetics
  • Ava Vengen (Tamaqua), who modeled for Endicott in the competition, also earned 1st place honors
Pictured left to right: Jaylynn Endicott and Ava Vengen).

Their outstanding performance secured them a spot at the National SkillsUSA Competition where they will compete among the best in the nation.

Other STC students who participated in the state competition included:

  • Mason McMillan (Tamaqua) – Motorcycle Service
  • Gavin Blazer (Tri-Valley) – Power Equipment Technology
  • Logan Leatherman (Tamaqua) – Electronics Technology
  • Riley Kabana and Madison Schock (both from Tamaqua) – Career Pathways – Human Services, earning 2nd place

Additionally, several STC students served as Courtesy Corps Members, helping with the competition:

  • Ava Ciarvella (Pottsville)
  • Ciara Longenberger (North Schuylkill)
  • Mahdy Farhat (Minersville)
  • Hayden Bowden (North Schuylkill)

SkillsUSA is a national organization that brings together students, educators, and industry leaders with a shared goal: to prepare America’s future workforce through hands-on skill development, leadership training, and academic excellence.