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Minnesota was proudly represented by 67 student competitors and 33 advisors, each of whom earned their spot at the national level by winning first place in their category at the state competition. These students joined peers from across the country to compete in 115 skilled and leadership contests—ranging from welding and robotics to healthcare and facility management. The event spanned over 2 million square feet of competition space and took place over three full days.

Congratulations to the six ATCC students who brought home national medals:

• Dustin White, Brownton, MN (Gold) – Machine Tool Technology
• Lars Dropik, Carlos, MN (Gold) – Marine, Motorcycle, & Powersports Technician program
• Reece Peterson, Avon, MN (Silver) – Police Training Program
• Nicholas Walter, New London, MN (Silver) – Marine, Motorcycle, & Powersports Technician program
• Jacob Taylor, Miltona, MN (Silver) – Marine, Motorcycle, & Powersports Technician program
• Ian Adolphsen, Villard, MN (Silver) –Mechanical Drafting and Design Engineering 

The results of the national competition are as follows:

Marine Service Technology

• Nicholas Walter, New London, MN – 2^nd Place

Carpentry

• Tyler Giese, Donelly, MN (High School) – 8^th Place
• Jackson McMerty, Minnetrista, MN – 12^th Place

Power Equipment Technology

• Aidan Bauch, Clarissa, MN – 5^th Place

Mechatronics

• Conrad Kadelbach, Hutchinson, MN  (Team Contest) – 5^th Place
• Cooper Olsonawski, Alexandria, MN  (Team Contest) – 5^th Place

Technical Drafting

• Ian Adolphsen, Villard, MN  – 2^nd Place
• Reed Leavitt, Glenwood, MN  (High School) – 23^rd Place

CNC Turning

• Dustin White, Brownton, MN – CNC Turning – 1^st Place

CNC Milling

• Lars Dropik, Calros, MN – 1^st Place

CNC Programmer

• Ethan Tesarek, Roseau, MN  – CNC Programmer – 11^th Place

Motorcycle Service Technology

• Jacob Taylor, Miltona, MN – 2^nd Place

Diesel Equipment Technology

• Brendon DeVries, New Ulm, MN –  8^th Place

First Aid/CPR

• Reece Petersen, Avon, MN  (State SkillsUSA President) – 2^nd Place

In total, Minnesota students proved their excellence on the national stage, bringing home an impressive 18 medals: 5 Gold, 12 Silver, and 1 Bronze, demonstrating the strength and dedication of the state’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and educators. 

“This conference is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of career readiness, leadership, and innovation,” said Heidi Mattson, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Minnesota. “Our students not only competed at the highest level but also showcased the incredible talent and skill that Minnesota produces year after year.” 

For more information about SkillsUSA at Alexandria College please visit alextech.edu/skillsusa.