Lake Technical College is buzzing with excitement as some of the region’s brightest and most driven students continue to make waves in the world of workforce education. This year, Lake Tech has once again proven its dedication to excellence by leading in the SkillsUSA regional competition, setting the stage for an even more thrilling showdown at the 2025 SkillsUSA Florida State Leadership & Skills Conference in Jacksonville, FL, from April 28 to May 1.
SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades, with a mission to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA students hone their hands-on skills against current industry standards in more than 130 occupational areas, from 3D Animation to Welding and nearly everything in between. But for the students of Lake Technical College, it’s more than just a competition—it’s a journey of personal growth, a chance to push boundaries, gain invaluable hands-on experience, and proudly represent their college on a national stage.
This year, Lake Tech competitors did not disappoint. The results speak for themselves: every single student walked away with a medal at the regional competition, a true testament to their dedication and hard work. And while these students are celebrating their well-deserved victories, they are already setting their sights on an even bigger challenge at the state conference.
Here’s a breakdown of our incredible achievers who earned top honors at the regional event:
Gold Medal Winners (1st Place)
- • Trevor Rutkoski – Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality
- • Mya Thomas – Baking and Pastry Arts
- • Madelyn Prado – Cosmetology
- • Tianah Strickland/Carissa Beasley – Esthetics Team
- • Emerson Hulse/Ariana Candelario – Nails Team
Silver Medal Winners (2nd Place)
- • Cherry Lackey – Cosmetology
Bronze Medal Winners (3rd Place)
- • Jessica Galinski – Cosmetology
- • Josilyn Montz/Rebecca Carrier – Nails Team
This impressive roster of winners is a reflection of the high-quality training, commitment, and hard work of both the students and their instructors. Their achievements at SkillsUSA showcase the strength of the Lake Technical College programs and stand as a testament to the dedication of the entire Lake Tech community.
For more details, and to view group photos and individual shots from the event, please see the attached document.
Let’s cheer on these outstanding students as they prepare to represent Lake County with pride and determination!
Lake Technical College is a public, post-secondary institution that offers high quality training for over 30 career and technical programs, as well as, adult education classes for GED and ESOL. The main campus is located at 2001 Kurt St., Eustis. The Institute of Public Safety is located at 1565 Ken Bragg Way, Tavares. Visit the website www.laketech.org, or call (352) 589-2250 for more information.
