RCCC News Service

SALISBURY — Thirty-five students from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College competed against students from across the state in the 2024 SkillsUSA North Carolina State Leadership and Skills Conference, held April 23-25 at the Greensboro Coliseum and Koury Convention Center. Competing across 15 different competitions, 21 of these students placed in the top five in their competitions, showcasing their exceptional skills and dedication. This event is the state’s largest showcase of Career and Technical Education, with over 2,900 students competing in more than 130 skilled, technical, and leadership development events.

Five students from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College earned first-place gold medals and earned the opportunity to advance to compete in the SkillsUSA 2024 National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in June.

The following Rowan-Cabarrus students placed in their competitions:

• Tyler Arbeen, first place, electrical construction wiring
• Jared Valdespino Moran, first place, masonry
• Iris Urbina, first place, nail care
• Kimberly Anderson, first place, nail care model
• Nathan Connelly, first place, sheet metal

• Alicia Freeman, second place, esthetics
• Matthew Helm, second place, sheet metal
• Jordan Peek, second place, team works (carpenter)
• Michael Murphy, second place, team works (electrician)
• Anthony Merrell Jr., second place, team works (mason)
• Brent Offenberger, second place, team works (plumber)
• Blake Barrier, third place, advertising design
• Hailie Durham, third place, cyber security (team)
• Austin Tilley, third place, cyber security (team)
• Vincent Van Alstyne, third place, electrical construction wiring
• Taylor Hill, third place, esthetics
• Kyle Benkendorf, third place, industrial motor control
• Tiffanie Pender, third place, sheet metal
• Bradley Henry, fourth place, HVACR
• Seth Brown, fourth place, welding post-secondary
• Miranda Mena, fifth place, fantasy hair

“We are incredibly proud of these talented students and their dedication to excellence,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. “These outstanding results from our students are a testament to their hard work and the exceptional support from our faculty. Participating in SkillsUSA provides hands-on experiences and will propel them to even greater success in their future careers.”

This year’s Rowan-Cabarrus advisers who supported the students include Chris Belch, Sylvia Boulware, Joe Christie, Jon Crockett, Aimee Durham, Ryland Gabriel, James Hauss, Sandy Holshouser, Brandon Hoffner, Kevin Joines, Jeff Mrugalski, Larry Newcomb and Carl Smith.

SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The organization serves middle-school, high-school and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. For more information about SkillsUSA, go to www.skillsusa.org.

For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, go to www.rccc.edu or call 704-216-RCCC (7222).