Chattooga High School’s construction and welding students have added another impressive collection of awards to their growing list of accomplishments, earning seven top-three finishes at the 2026 Metro Atlanta Skills Challenge held Tuesday, November 10.

The competition, organized by the Associated General Contractors of Georgia in partnership with SkillsUSA Georgia, brought together high school students from across the state to demonstrate their abilities in construction-related trades.

Students competed in hands-on challenges designed to test their technical knowledge, craftsmanship, accuracy and ability to complete tasks commonly encountered in the construction industry.

Chattooga High School students earned awards in five different competition categories.

Chattooga High School’s award winners included:

• First Place — Masonry: Cody Corbin
• Second Place — Carpentry: David Mangan
• Second Place — Welding: Gunner Henderson
• Third Place — Metal Studs/Drywall: Lane Evans and Alex Brinkmann
• Third Place — Masonry: Kayden Burrage
• Third Place — Plumbing: Camp Bullard
• Third Place — Welding: Jude Chestnut

The latest accomplishments reflect the continued success of Chattooga High School’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education program, which provides students with practical training and opportunities to develop skills needed in the construction and manufacturing industries.

The school’s construction program is led by instructor Bengi Price, while Carter Woodall serves as the welding instructor. Both work with students to develop technical abilities through classroom instruction and hands-on training.

The programs introduce students to industry practices, equipment, safety procedures and the technical skills needed for careers in the skilled trades.

The Metro Atlanta Skills Challenge is part of a statewide series of competitions sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of Georgia. The events give students an opportunity to demonstrate their skills before construction industry professionals, meet potential employers and explore career opportunities.

Chattooga High School has established a strong record in these competitions.

Just last month, Chattooga’s construction and welding students captured the overall championship at the Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge in Rome, earning the Alliance Cup along with multiple first-place finishes.

That competition included championships in masonry, welding, cabinetmaking, TeamWorks and welding fabrication.

The school also captured the overall regional championship in 2025, demonstrating sustained success in its career and technical education programs.

The latest results from Metro Atlanta add to that record and highlight the work being done by Chattooga High School students and instructors to prepare young people for careers in construction, welding and related industries.