SLCC Students Shine at SkillsUSA Utah 2026
Last week, Salt Lake Community College proudly served as the host and home base for the 2026 SkillsUSA Utah State Leadership and Skills Conference, and SLCC students rose to the occasion in a big way.
With 63 of the state’s 86 competitions and the closing ceremonies held across SLCC campuses, students, faculty, and staff showcased not only technical excellence but also the collaborative spirit that defines our college. In total, 82 SLCC students competed in 27 contests, earning medals in 25 of those events.
Celebrating Our Medalists
SLCC students brought home an impressive medal count, including 16 gold, 8 silver, and 14 bronze awards, with SLCC competitors sweeping all three medals in both Aviation Maintenance Technology and Crime Scene Investigation.
Gold Medal Winners
- 3D Visualization and Animation (Team): Nesvith Perez & Spencer Dalling
- Advertising Design: Agnieszka (Aga) Syrzycka
- Aviation Maintenance Technology: Jaxon Tanner
- Carpentry: Ammon Reynolds-Owens
- Collision Damage Appraisal: Steve Fowler
- Crime Scene Investigation (Team): Kylee Hermeling, Kennedi Leon & Haylie Ramirez
- Graphic Communication: Dannielle Barnes
- Graphic Imaging Sublimation: Lauren Harmer
- Job Skills Demonstration A: Isaac Applegarth
- Job Skills Demonstration Open: Keanalu Mack
- Masonry: Silverio Perez Molina
- Medical Math: Sarah Nagata
- Medical Terminology: Elizabeth Fucci
- Motorcycle Service Technology: Jake Anderson
- Photography: Hannah Fetzer
- TeamWorks (Team): Geron Bedonie, Benjamin Gutzwiller, Charles Johnson & Landon Crandall
Silver Medal Winners
- 3D Visualization and Animation (Team): Francisco Ortiz & Aaliyah Kueffner
- Aviation Maintenance Technology: Damien Barton
- Crime Scene Investigation (Team): Lucy Herold, Devynn Mayfield & Jessah Rylant
- Job Interview: Maclain Resnick
- Masonry: Jason Contreras
- Motorcycle Service Technology: Nick Gilley
- Power Equipment Technology: Doug Pincock
- Welding Fabrication (Team): Jacob Cusick, Peter Olsen & Cameron Mahak
Bronze Medal Winners
- Advertising Design: Talitha (Tilly) TwoMoon
- Architectural Design: Julie Willis
- Automotive Refinishing Technology: Sindel Mendez De La Cruz
- Automotive Service Technology: Spencer Arndt
- Aviation Maintenance Technology: Katie Ngatai
- Carpentry: Bill Wimberg
- Collision Damage Appraisal: Maddox Leeds
- Collision Repair Technology: Garret Simonds
- Cabinet Making: Gus Cavteruccio
- Crime Scene Investigation (Team): Whitney Romig, Bryce Beesley & Steve Navarro
- Diesel Equipment Technology: Mason Tolman
- Job Skills Demonstration Open: John Hurtado
- Photography: Christopher Herrera Ibanez
- Welding: Vincent Martinez
A College-Wide Effort
This success reflects the dedication of 15 SLCC faculty advisors who prepared students for competition, as well as the countless staff members—from scheduling and facilities to event setup and custodial services—who made hosting the statewide event possible.
Hosting much of the SkillsUSA Utah State Competition was truly a campus-wide effort. In addition to the dedication of our 15 faculty advisors, we extend a special thank you to the many SLCC staff members whose behind-the-scenes work made this event possible.
A shout out to the scheduling team, Lisa Peshell, Phil Pendergast, Heather Lynes, and Emily Zaugg, for coordinating spaces and logistics across multiple campuses.
Thanks also to Facilities, including custodial and event setup teams, whose long hours and attention to detail ensured welcoming, competition-ready spaces for hundreds of students, advisors, and guests.
Their support was essential to the success of the event and reflects the teamwork and professionalism that define SLCC.
Congratulations to all our SkillsUSA competitors—Bruin Proud!