VHS Competes in Skills USA Challenge

Courtesy of Vidalia City Schools

Vidalia High School recently competed against other high schools in the Southeast Georgia Skills Challenge hosted by Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC Georgia), Ace Electric, Inc., Choate Construction Company, and West Construction Company. Construction students from high schools in 26 local counties faced off at the Bulloch County Agricultural Complex.

“Each year, our students work hard to compete at AGC Georgia’s Skills Challenge because it provides an opportunity to highlight their talents,” said Gray Meredith, VHS Carpentry Instructor. “The hands-on and real-world environment creates an atmosphere our students appreciate and enjoy. We are proud to be part of the 2024 Skills Challenge series.”

This Skills Challenge is one of eight regional events held throughout Georgia. It will host over 2,300 students from nearly 100 schools. Competitions will be held in the following skill categories: blueprint reading, carpentry, electrical, heavy machinery, masonry, plumbing, roofing, and welding. “Skills Challenges allow high school students enrolled in construction programs an opportunity to showcase their trade talents in a ‘game day’ atmosphere,” AGC Georgia CEO Mike Dunham said. “For some competitors, this event is a ‘Friday Night Lights’ experience with the opportunity to receive job offers from participating industry representatives. Each year, we are proud to partner with amazing member contracting firms to showcase rewarding construction career opportunities to student competitors and observers.”

Under the leadership of SkillsUSA advisors Amy Gillies and Gray Meredith, Vidalia took 21 students to the Skills Challenge. Competitors included Abrien Anthony, Dakota Brannon, Adam Foster, Ethan Hill, Kaitlyn Hunt, Hudson Niebaum, Shemia Thompson, Holton Wrenn, and Jackson Wilson. Craftsmen from VHS competed in the areas of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, heavy equipment operation, and blueprint reading and performed at a high level. Top honors went to Dakota Brannon, who took home first place in the roofing competition. Ethan Hill placed third in roofing, and Abrien Anthony placed third in heavy equipment operation.

Students who are members of SkillsUSA Georgia and compete in carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, heavy equipment operation, and welding at this event are eligible to earn a bid to the State Leadership and Skills Competition (SLSC) that will be held in March 2025.

TOP ROOFER – Vidalia High School Student Dakota Brannon (center) took home 1st place in roofing at the recent Southeast Georgia Skills Challenge.