DMACC Students Shine at SkillsUSA Nationals with Top Finishes Across Multiple Programs

DMACC students showcased their talent on a national stage at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, held June 1 - 6 in Atlanta, Georgia, earning top placements in both individual and team competitions.

Students qualified for nationals after taking first place at the state competition in March. The annual conference brings together top career and technical education students from across the country to compete in hands-on events aligned with real-world industry standards. Competitions span fields such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and leadership, while emphasizing the SkillsUSA Framework of professionalism, teamwork, communication, and technical excellence.

DMACC was represented by both high school and postsecondary students across a variety of programs, including automotive repair, criminal justice, crime scene investigation (CSI), diesel technology, and collision repair.

In the Public and Community Services pathway, DMACC students delivered standout performances in criminal justice and crime scene investigation competitions.

The postsecondary CSI team of Aubrey, Sydny, and Natalia earned a second-place national finish, securing a silver medal and a spot on the podium. At the high school level, the Ames Hunziker Career Academy CSI team of Madison, Maddie, and Grae finished fifth in the nation, outperforming more than 25 teams.

Individual competitors also represented DMACC in Criminal Justice events. High school student Aubrey competed in simulations including traffic stops and digital scenarios, while postsecondary competitor Ella - who incorporated SkillsUSA into her Honors project -demonstrated her skills across multiple interactive stations.

Both the high school CSI team and criminal justice competitor were coached by Michael Peck of the Ames Hunziker Career Academy.

"These students put in countless hours preparing, and it showed in their performance," Peck said. "Competing at this level requires not only technical skill, but the ability to think critically and work as a team."

DMACC students also competed in a wide range of skilled trades and automotive-related events, earning strong national placements.

In the Career Pathway Showcase, the team of Andrew Wadsworth, Angel Rubio, and David Zamora earned a second-place national finish and silver medal. Their presentation highlighted how the DMACC Automotive Club connects students with business and industry while supporting community service initiatives such as winter vehicle checkups and Adopt-a-Highway efforts.

Another Career Pathway Showcase team from the Ames Hunziker Career Academy - James Heady, Josie Jenkins, and Morgan Wendel - placed 20th nationally.

In individual competitions:

• Mack Borton placed 9th in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
• Jenny Gries placed 13th in Diesel Equipment Technology
• Hayden Schoepke placed 23rd in Collision Repair Technology
• James Speck placed 29th in Automotive Service Technology, an advanced-level competition

Students demonstrated technical skills across a range of tasks, including diagnostics, welding, vehicle inspection, hydraulics, HVAC systems, and hybrid/EV technology.

The conference also connects students directly with industry partners, as workforce leaders help judge competitions and provide equipment that mirrors what students will encounter in their careers.

Advisors emphasized that SkillsUSA provides students with a unique opportunity to apply their learning in a high-stakes, real-world environment.

"SkillsUSA is about more than competition results - it's about preparing students for the workforce," said Danielle Galien. "Watching them grow in confidence, professionalism, and technical ability is what makes this experience so valuable."

To learn more about SkillsUSA at DMACC, visit: