LIT Takes Home Two Bronze Medals at SkillsUSA Nationals

6/30/2023

Ten Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) students advanced to the SkillsUSA National Competition June 19–23 in Atlanta, Georgia, where they took home two bronze medals and two top ten winners. 

"It is such an honor to be able to represent LIT at the SkillsUSA National Competition," said Stacy Taylor, Program Director Respiratory Care. "This is a national competition, and only a select number of students are granted the ability to represent the state of Texas and LIT." 

Bronze medals were earned by Asia Ashon in prepared speech and Brooklyn Petroski in nursing assisting. 

“I am the first person from the respiratory care program to win a medal at nationals. It has made me feel so honored to have this achievement,” said Petroski. “I couldn’t believe it at first. My teachers and classmates where just as excited.” 

The National SkillsUSA Competition takes place in the summer when students have either graduated or are on their summer break. Students must prepare, practice and put in the hours so they are ready to compete. 

"Bringing a medal back to my campus is honestly an extremely satisfying experience. I immediately feel relieved since I know all my hard work has paid off," said Ashon. "Preparing for nationals, I knew I had roughly two months to prepare. I would constantly critique my speech then I would listen to an audio of my speech from my airpods all day." 

Also receiving a top 10 recognition was Sage Elmore in HVAC, and Leslie-Rae Harris in Job Demo Open. 

“Congratulations to each of our winners,” said Taylor. “We are extremely proud of everyone who competed and look forward to next year.” 

Congratulations to the following: 

Prepared Speech (Bronze) Advisor Stacee Rashall 
Asia Ashon 

Nurse Assisting (Bronze) Advisor Stacy Taylor 
Brooklynn Bay Petroski 

HVAC (Top 10) Advisor Darrell Grissom and Royce Hill 
Sage Elmore 

Job Demo Open (Top 10) Advisor Rusty Koenig 
Leslie-Rae Harris