College of Lake County (CLC) students turned classroom learning into real-world results at the 2025 SkillsUSA Illinois State Leadership & Skills Conference. Thirty-one students from eight programs competed and took home an impressive seven gold medals, seven silver medals, six bronze medals and four honorable mentions across 12 events.

SkillsUSA gives students the chance to show off the skills in technical and trade careers they’ve learned and meet people in the industries they plan to work in after college. Designed to mirror real-world industry settings, the competition offers valuable hands-on experience that directly connects to future careers.

“Watching our students in action—fully immersed in a field they're passionate about—was an unforgettable experience,” said Career Program Manager Itzel Castro. “From excitement and pride to competitiveness and frustration, they demonstrated resilience, professionalism and true Lancer spirit. Their dedication and performance are a powerful testament to the talent, drive and potential of our students.”

Students were among over 2,000 who competed in a variety of events. The gold medal winners will represent Illinois at the National Leadership & Skills Conference June 23-27 in Atlanta, where they will compete against other finalists from state competitions around the country.

Gold medal-winning individuals and teams are Dylan Kozarzewski, collision repair technology; Kendall Martinson, early childhood education; McKenzie Ruhnke and Brenda Quebrado, preschool interactive display; Johnathan Gomez, culinary arts; Zulma Mendoza, Briana Lugo-Marquez and Lindsey Clements, crime scene investigation; Phoebe Clark, criminal justice; and Cody Morris, industrial motor control.

Silver medalists include Alexis Martinez, collision repair technology; McKenzie Ruhnke, early childhood education; Manuel Curatolo, culinary arts; Alyssa Garrett, baking and pastry arts; Lucas Garcia, welding; Lesly Guzman-Uvera, criminal justice; and Daniel Soto and Carl Barnett, mechatronics.

“SkillsUSA was an awesome experience to support me on my future career path,” Ruhnke said.

Bronze medal winners include Salvador Garduno Jr., collision repair technology; Olivia Newcomb, baking and pastry arts; Oscar Garcia, criminal justice; Charles Shaw, industrial motor control; and Kylie Kundert and Gabewil Mattheau Chan Sanoria, mechatronics.

“Competing in the mechatronics competition was incredibly similar to the labs we do day to day during class,” Kundert said. “The preparation that our professors provide for our careers is very thorough.”

Francisco Gaytan, automotive collision repair; Miguel Gomez, automotive collision repair; Jordan Yankov, industrial technology; and Bailey Dean, welding and fabrication technology, earned honorable mentions.

Wish the competitors good luck on their national competitions.