Johnson City, TN – This year’s trip to the 2024 SkillsUSA national competition in Atlanta turned out to be a spectacular achievement for two local schools. Northeast State Community College in Blountville and Unaka High School have brought back more than just memories. They’ve returned with medals and pride that have made their respective communities beam with joy.
A particularly noteworthy story is that of Unaka High School, which won its first-ever national gold medal, alongside a couple of other top-10 finishes. Daniel Arnett, a dedicated teacher from Northeast State, and his close friend, Scotty Johnson, who teaches at Unaka High School, were right beside the stage when the prestigious awards were being handed out. They had already witnessed students Trevor Eller and Dow Cox from Northeast State clinching silver medals. Their excitement peaked as they anxiously awaited the announcement for Elijah Stines.
Elijah Stines, a senior at Unaka High School, bagged the gold medal, marking a historic achievement for the school. It’s not everyday that a small high school grabs the national spotlight, but Stines did just that. The announcement unleashed waves of applause and cheer from both students and teachers alike.
Daniel Arnett and Scotty Johnson aren’t just colleagues; they are friends who share a passion for mentoring young minds. They have spent countless hours preparing their students for this competition, and their shared enthusiasm has undoubtedly played a key role in their students’ successes.
Arnett said, “Seeing our students shine on such a big stage makes all those long nights worth it.” Johnson echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s not just a win for them; it feels like a win for all of us.”
The SkillsUSA competition is no small feat. It’s a renowned event where students from across the country get to showcase their skills in various technical, trade, and service occupations. This year’s competition in Atlanta was intense, with participants from different states vying for the top spots.
Northeast State’s students didn’t just rest on their laurels after past successes. They brought their A-game, leading to two second-place finishes. Trevor Eller and Dow Cox’s silver medals were a testament to the diligent preparation and hard work they and Arnett had put in.
Unaka High’s Elijah Stines wasn’t the only one to perform exceptionally. The school had other top-10 finishes, indicating a strong overall performance. Johnson mentioned, “Our students have put in so much work, and seeing them achieve such heights is incredibly rewarding.”
The SkillsUSA organization aims to help its members become world-class workers and leaders by improving the quality of America’s workforce. Competing and winning in this event opens doors for students, giving them exposure and the opportunity to showcase their talents on a national platform.
Both schools have made it clear that the journey to Atlanta was not just about winning medals. It was about growing, learning, and building bonds that go beyond the classroom. These competitions offer invaluable experiences that mold students into more confident and capable individuals.
Johnson highlighted the community’s role, “The support from our local community has been tremendous. We couldn’t have done it without them.” From fundraising efforts to moral support, the community’s involvement played a pivotal role in providing these students with the necessary resources to succeed.
The success of Northeast State and Unaka High School at the national SkillsUSA competition brings a broader message. It’s about dedication, the will to strive for better, and the power of community in shaping young talents. It’s stories like these that remind us of the importance of educators who go above and beyond to ensure their students succeed.
As the students and teachers return to their regular routines, the memories of this incredible achievement will no doubt linger long. They have inspired not only themselves but also their peers and the upcoming batches of students who now have new benchmarks to aim for.
In Johnson City and Blountville, the tales of determination and triumph at the SkillsUSA competition will be recounted for years to come, proof that with the right mentorship and community support, extraordinary achievements are within reach for anyone.
By JOHN THOMPSON – Feel free to contact me at jthompson@sixriversmedia.com
