PRESS RELEASE: IOWA LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS EARN TOP HONORS AT 2026 IOWA SKILLSUSA COMPETITION
(Emmetsburg, Iowa) Iowa Lakes Community College students once again demonstrated exceptional skill and career readiness at the 2026 Iowa SkillsUSA competition, held March 4–6 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Representing programs in Powersports and Power Equipment Technology, Boat & Watercraft Technology, Welding Technology, and Construction Technology, Iowa Lakes students earned multiple top finishes against the best career and technical education students in the state.
Among the top achievements:
Motorcycle Service Technology (Powersports):
• Brice Rooney – 1st Place
• Nolan Waters – 2nd Place
• Devon Turner – 3rd Place
Power Equipment Technology:
• Antonia Capece – 1st Place
• Jaxen Mettler – 2nd Place
• Jacob Grau-West – 3rd Place
Marine Service Technology (Boat & Watercraft):
• Owen Ludovissy – 1st Place (Gold)
• Olin Nelson – 2nd Place (Silver)
Welding Fabrication (Team):
• Jenny Mitchel
• Lewis Vulk
• Levi Carrigan
(Gold Medal Team)
Construction Teamworks (Team):
• Landon Sogard
• Caden Allison
• Blake Thom
• Lucas Dreyer
(Gold Medal Team)
“The results from this year’s SkillsUSA competition reflect the strength of our programs and the dedication of our students and faculty,” said Kyle Norris, Vice President of Academic Affairs, “These students are gaining real-world, hands-on experience that prepares them to step directly into high-demand careers.”
SkillsUSA provides students with the opportunity to showcase their technical skills while building leadership, teamwork, and professionalism. Competitions are aligned with industry standards and evaluated by experts in each field.
Gold medalists will advance to represent Iowa Lakes at the 2026 National SkillsUSA Championships, held in Atlanta, Georgia, June 1 – 5, 2026.
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national workforce development organization driven by employer demand. It empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members through the development of technical, workplace, and interpersonal skills. With members nationwide spanning more than 130 trade, technical, and skilled service occupations, SkillsUSA is recognized by the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor as an essential component of career and technical education. Since 1965, SkillsUSA has served more than 14.6 million members.
Photo Caption: SkillsUSA winners from Iowa Lakes Community College. From left: Lucas Dreyer, Landon Sogard, Blake Thom, Caden Allison, Jenny Mitchel, Levi Carrigan, Lewis Vulk, Nolan Waters, Brice Rooney, Antonia Capece, Devon Turner, Jacob Grau-West, Owen Ludovissy, and Olin Nelson. Missing from photo: Jaxen Mettler.