2026 SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference

SkillsUSA student team at the state competition

By: Kaleigh Frederick, SkillsUSA Reporter

SWCTE sent their SkillsUSA members to Wahpeton, April 19th-21st, for the 2026 State Leadership Conference. At this conference, students compete in career-related, skilled competitions and even have the opportunity to run for state officers. 3 students from SWCTE SkillsUSA were elected to the officer team. These students will help to put on conferences and grow SkillsUSA throughout the state during the 2026-2027 school year. SWCTE also received the bronze Chapter of Excellence award. Not only did the chapter receive the Chapter of Excellence award and have 3 officers elected; but many students also had individual (and team) success at the podiums.

Gold Medalists:

  • Opening & Closing Ceremonies: Raegan Corneliusen, Liz Clemow, Taylor Murphy, Kaleigh Frederick, Madison Dupre, Sarah Menge, and Lily Zier
  • Health Occupational Portfolio: Olivia Easum
  • Baking and Pastry: Ava Hauck
  • Related Technical Math: Elijah Ricks
  • Architectural Drafting: DJ Seidel
  • Pin Design: Alea Paluck
  • Prepared Speech: Rana Kubischta (Lee)
  • Extemporaneous Speaking: Alyssa Lehman
  • Diesel Technology: Kaeden Paulson

Silver Medalists:

  • Related Technical Math: Alex Dutke
  • Health Knowledge Bowl: Henlie Dahmus, Raegan Corneliusen, Olivia Easum, Liz Clemow
  • Architectural Drafting: Alea Paluck
  • Diesel Technology: Shaylynn Ziman
  • Culinary Arts: Julianna Huitron

Bronze Medalists:

  • Welding Fabrication: Max Stroh, Max Davis, Connor Robideau
  • First-Aid/CPR: Myra Getz
  • Job Interview: Julianna Huitron
  • Prepared Speech: Connor Enney
  • Culinary Arts: Jazmin Crawford
  • Architectural Drafting: Paula Canto

Chapter of Excellence: Bronze

  • State Officer Candidates 2025-2026: Alyssa Lehman, Elijah Ricks, Taylor Murphy
  • State Officer Candidates 2026-2027: Alyssa Lehman, Connor Enney, Liz Clemow

Advisors: Courtney Sadowsky/Lead, Jerry Hays/Assistant, Jaclyn Guillaume, Clarence Hauck, Jakob Ohl, and Collin Wehner