Several Chattooga High School students are representing the State of Georgia this week as they compete against some of the nation’s best career and technical education students at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.

The Chattooga High Welding Fabrication Team consists of Cooper Hampton, Skyler Ward, and Landon Dawson, who will compete in the Welding Fabrication competition. In addition, Gunner Henderson will compete in Welding, while Corbin Wiggins will represent Georgia in Cabinetmaking.

The students earned the opportunity to advance to nationals after excelling at the state level and are now competing against state champions from across the United States.

The SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, being held June 1-5 at the Georgia World Congress Center, is considered the premier showcase for career and technical education students. The event brings together more than 19,000 students, instructors, industry professionals, and educators from across the nation. The conference features the SkillsUSA Championships, where more than 6,500 state champions compete in over 100 skilled trades, technical, and leadership contests.

Competitions are designed and judged by industry professionals and test students on real-world skills, technical knowledge, craftsmanship, safety practices, and professionalism. Students also have opportunities to network with employers, industry leaders, and technical education partners from across the country.

The national competition is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious events for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades and technical fields.

WZQZ joins the community in wishing Cooper Hampton, Skyler Ward, Landon Dawson, Gunner Henderson, and Corbin Wiggins the very best of luck as they represent Chattooga High School, Chattooga County, and the State of Georgia on the national stage.