Johnson City Students Shine Bright at National SkillsUSA Competition

This year’s trip to the 2024 SkillsUSA national competition in Atlanta turned out to be nothing short of amazing for some local schools. In particular, both Northeast State Community College in Blountville and Unaka High School in Johnson City brought home multiple awards.

Northeast State Community College saw two of their students, Trevor Eller and Dow Cox, secure impressive second-place finishes in their respective categories. But it was Unaka High School that made a historical mark this year. The school celebrated its first-ever national gold medal thanks to the efforts of senior Elijah Stines. The joy didn’t stop there; Unaka also had other students finishing in the top 10, making it a true landmark event for the school.

The atmosphere in Atlanta was electrifying, especially for the teachers who double as great friends – Daniel Arnett from Northeast State and Scotty Johnson from Unaka High School. The two were on pins and needles standing near the stage, eagerly waiting for the announcement of Elijah Stines’ results. When it was announced that Stines had won the national gold medal, the crowd erupted, celebrating this monumental achievement.

Elijah Stines’ path to gold wasn’t just about one competition; it was the result of countless hours of hard work, dedication, and mentorship. His teacher, Scotty Johnson, emphasized just how much the students had prepared: “We’ve put in a lot of work, and seeing Elijah stand up there with that gold medal is the best reward we could ask for.”

More Wins for Northeast State!!

For Northeast State, the journey was equally rewarding. Trevor Eller and Dow Cox were over the moon with their second-place finishes. Both students worked tirelessly, refining their skills to a razor’s edge in preparation for the competition.

Northeast State teacher, Daniel Arnett, talked about how proud he was of his students. “Eller and Cox have shown incredible growth and dedication. Their silver medals are a testament to their effort and the quality of our programs.” The community college had a commendable presence in the competition, highlighting the strength of local vocational training programs.

Impact and Future

The achievements of Elijah Stines, Trevor Eller, and Dow Cox represent more than just personal success; they’re a demonstration of the effectiveness of the vocational programs in their schools. SkillsUSA competitions aim to bring out the best in students by testing their abilities in a variety of demanding skill categories. Winning at a national level places these students among the best of the best, ready to excel in their future careers.

Scotty Johnson expressed his excitement for the future: “These wins not only boost the confidence of the students but also inspire the entire school to aim higher. It’s going to have a long-lasting impact on our community.”

Indeed, the ripples of these victories are already being felt in Johnson City and beyond. Vocational programs are often overshadowed by more traditional academic paths, but wins like these highlight just how crucial these skills are in today’s economy. They show that with the right training and opportunities, students can achieve remarkable things.

A Moment to Remember

The feeling of pride and accomplishment was thick in the air as the awards were handed out. Parents, teachers, and fellow students watched with pride as their representatives garnered national attention. The winners took the stage one by one, basking in the glow of their hard-earned success.

The SkillsUSA national competition is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of what can be achieved through hard work, innovation, and a little bit of friendly competition. For schools like Northeast State and Unaka High School, it’s also proof that their programs are doing something right, pushing students to achieve at the highest levels and preparing them for bright futures.

As we look forward, there is no doubt that the success of these students will pave the way for many more from Johnson City and beyond to follow in their footsteps. Here’s to celebrating their incredible achievements and the promise of many more to come.