LCCTC Participates in the D10 SkillsUSA Championships

Of the many opportunities offered to SkillsUSA members, one stands out as both nerve-wracking and exciting: the championships. On Friday, January 16, 2025, District 10 SkillsUSA hosted its district championships at Lawrence County Career & Technical Center and the New Castle School of Trades.

Events of this scale require the efforts of many. District 10’s competition included students from 13 technical schools across Western Pennsylvania, all eager to showcase their skills. In total, more than 350 students competed in 60 different events. Volunteer industry professionals generously gave their time and expertise to assist with judging and, in some cases, chairing competitions.

Lawrence County CTC selected 52 students to compete across three categories: Skilled and Technical Sciences, Occupational Development, and Leadership.

Before the competition, junior Austin Gerrish (Oil and Gas) described his nerves by saying, “It feels like pre-game. This is the same feeling I had before walking on that field!”

Once each student completed their competition, scoring sheets were checked and double-checked for accuracy before final results were entered. As the dust settled, LCCTC students began the week-long wait to hear the results. Until then, many anxiously awaited their outcomes—much like waiting for a phone call after a job interview that says, “You got the job.” A hybrid afternoon assembly will take place on January 22, with participants and their families watching live while the rest of the school views the broadcast.

Here’s the honest truth: every student is already successful—for their willingness to try, their dedication to practice, and the peace that comes from being able to say, “I did my very best.” Regardless of the outcome of Thursday’s assembly, each and every student represented LCCTC with incredible skill and professionalism, and we are incredibly proud of them.

Senior RT student Starla Koziol shared, “The whole reason I did this was for the experience, and I got the experience I hoped for. If I had a chance to do it again, I would.”

Below are a few photos from the event. Enjoy these moments of pre-competition jitters, focused determination during competition, and post-competition smiles.