Saint Paul College students showcased their impressive talents this past weekend at the SkillsUSA Minnesota Conference! Their professionalism and dedication truly stood out as they competed across various categories. The event took place at Wayzata High School, with contests spread throughout the Twin Cities. We’re excited to celebrate all the winners, including those first-place finishers who will advance to the SkillsUSA National Conference in Atlanta from June 23-27, 2025.

Ground of students and instructors on a stage

Here are the results for Saint Paul College students, which includes five Gold Medals:

  • Cabinetmaking: Mike Berner – 3rd Place Bronze
  • Commercial Baking: Gracie Niere – 1st Place Gold (on to Nationals!), Madeline Lennon 2nd Place Silver, and Levi Larkin 3rd Place Bronze
  • Cosmetology: Brook Richard 1st Place Gold (on to Nationals!) and Juliet Corona 3rd Place Bronze
  • Esthetics: Kristin Hansen – 2nd Place Silver (model: Elegance Pruit)
  • Extemporaneous Speaking: V Wenham- 1st Place Gold (on to Nationals!)  
  • Facilithon: V Wenham- 2nd Place Silver
  • Industrial Motor Control: Sam O’Meara- 3rd Place Bronze
  • Job Interview: V Wenham- 1st Place Gold (on to Nationals!)  
  • Opening & Closing Ceremonies: Steven Wielenberg, V Wenham, Noname Yang, Giovani Lopez Avellano, Micah Mathison, Alexus Murray, Michael Blackwood- 1st Place Gold (on to Nationals!) 
  • Quiz Bowl: Sam O’Meara, Joseph Schaefer, Steven Wielenberg, Nikolas Zeravica, Noname Yang- 1st Place Gold (on to Nationals!) and Dylan Olson, Isaac Vang, Yaengseng Thao, Dewey Phong, Yue Her, Salma Muse-  2nd Place Silver   
  • Sheet Metal: Dylan Olson – 1st Place Gold (on to Nationals!), Isaac Vang – 2nd Place Silver, and Dewey Phong Yue Her – 3rd Place Bronze

Electrical student Michael Blackwood is the SPC chapter president, state vice president, and true leader, as many other persons saw during the contests.

SPC students are some of the most professional students. They were so engaged, not only in their contests but also in other activities—they went above and beyond. It’s an honor and a pleasure to be their advisor!

Tom Hillstead

SPC SkillsUSA Advisor & Instructor

The SkillsUSA National Conference is the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce and recognition of career and technical education excellence. SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, representing over 413,000 career and technical education students and teachers. The organization represents 130 occupational areas, from 3D Animation to Welding and nearly everything in between. They empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members.