Monett, MO – Four students from Scott Regional Technology Center represented southwest Missouri at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Championships, held June 23–27 in Atlanta, Georgia. The annual event is the nation’s largest showcase of career and technical education, bringing together more than 6,800 outstanding state champions to compete hands-on in 114 trade, technical, and leadership fields.
SkillsUSA is recognized as the nation’s leading workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become career-ready leaders, skilled professionals, and responsible community members.
Scott Tech’s competitors demonstrated their technical knowledge and leadership abilities in a variety of contests:
Gavin Hagerman, a senior from Monett High School, earned an impressive 4th place in the Extemporaneous Speaking competition. This event challenges students to prepare and deliver a three- to five-minute speech on an assigned topic with only five minutes of preparation. Gavin was evaluated on voice, delivery, organization, and overall effectiveness.
Alexander Crouch, a senior from Monett High School, competed in the CNC Programmer contest. He demonstrated advanced skills in programming jobs for CNC turning centers and milling machines, troubleshooting G-code, interpreting technical prints, and applying his knowledge of CAM software and machine setup.
Lucas Hohensee, a senior from Monett High School, placed 23rd in the Diesel Equipment Technology Competition. Lucas showcased his abilities in engine troubleshooting, electrical systems, powertrains, hydraulics, brakes, HVAC, and shop safety, in addition to completing a written test and job interview.
Randy Rueda Villa, a junior from Purdy High School, placed 22nd in the highly competitive Welding contest. Randy was tested on multiple welding processes including GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, and GTAW, as well as blueprint interpretation, cutting techniques, and completing both steel and aluminum projects to industry standards.
Scott Tech extends its gratitude to Mr. Brian Prewitt, SkillsUSA Adivsor, and Mr. Aaron Obbermann for their dedication in leading and accompanying the students to Atlanta. Their guidance, along with the support and encouragement of Scott Tech staff and administration, made this experience possible for the competitors.
Throughout the competition, students raced against the clock and one another in events designed and judged by industry professionals. Competitors demonstrated workplace readiness in fields ranging from electronics and precision machining to culinary arts and public speaking.
The championships concluded with an awards session at State Farm Arena, where more than 1,250 gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded, along with industry prizes, scholarships, and Skill Point Certificates. These certificates serve as nationally recognized proof of workplace readiness and are valuable additions to a student’s career portfolio.
Scott Tech is proud of these students for their dedication, skill, and professionalism as they represented their schools and communities on the national stage.
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 440,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at skillsusa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.