Chattooga County’s Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) students showcased exceptional talent this week, securing multiple top finishes at the AGC Georgia Skills Challenge in Moultrie and earning substantial scholarships in the Tulsa Welding Competition.

The Chattooga County Skills team demonstrated remarkable proficiency across various skilled trades, bringing home an impressive array of awards and setting the stage for advancement to state-level competitions.

AGC Georgia Skills Challenge: A Sweep of Victories

Held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Moultrie, the AGC Georgia Skills Challenge brought together CTE students from across South and Southwest Georgia to test their abilities in critical trade skills. The Chattooga County team distinguished itself with a series of first-place victories and strong showings in core events:

  • Electrical: Matthew Busby clinched first place, with Pedro Lopez securing a close second.
  • Plumbing: Riley Willis demonstrated superior skills, earning a first-place finish.
  • Carpentry: Kasen Elsberry dominated the competition, also taking first place.
  • Welding: Parker Powell showcased his expertise with a first-place win.
  • Blueprint Reading: Corbin Wiggins earned a commendable third-place finish.

The AGC Georgia Skills Challenge, part of a series hosted by AGC Georgia, serves as a crucial platform for students to demonstrate proficiency in trades like Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, Plumbing, and Welding. Winners from this regional event are now eligible to advance to the prestigious SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership & Skills Conference in February 2026, where they will compete for state titles.

Tulsa Welding Competition: Major Scholarship Haul

Adding to their accolades, several Chattooga County students also excelled at the highly competitive Tulsa Welding Competition, earning significant scholarships that will help further their education and careers.

  • 1st Place: Landon Dawson secured an outstanding first place, earning an impressive $8,000 scholarship.
  • 2nd Place: Skylar Ward followed with a second-place finish, awarded a $5,000 scholarship.
  • 3rd Place: Gunner Henderson took third place, receiving a $3,000 scholarship.
  • 5th Place: Cooper Hampton also achieved a commendable fifth-place finish among a strong field of competitors.

The outstanding performances by Chattooga County’s CTAE students underscore the strength of their career and technical programs and their dedication to mastering valuable trade skills. These achievements not only bring recognition to the students and their school but also prepare them for successful careers in high-demand industries. Their success at these regional and national-level competitions bodes well for their future at the state conference and beyond.