Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is thrilled to announce the outstanding achievements of its students at the 2024 State SkillsUSA Competitions, held recently in Jackson, Mississippi. This year, MGCCC showcased winners excelling in both the secondary and postsecondary categories.

In the secondary division, three exemplary students from George County High School’s Emergency Medical Technology program showcased their skills and emerged victorious. Bishop Ladnier, Rayne Bexley, and Amy Smith, all of Lucedale, represented the program, with Ladnier and Bexley clinching the gold medal in Emergency Medical Technology.  Smith won third place in CPR.

The EMT program at GCHS, which is offered as a dual credit program with MGCCC, is one of only two such programs in the state. In its infancy, the program boasts nine students this year who are set to take their National Registry Exam next month and become full-fledged EMTs.

Commenting on the remarkable success of the students, John Glass, instructor for the Emergency Medical Technology program at GCHS, said, “I am very proud of all my students, but the students that competed in SkillsUSA really went above and beyond in their work in this program. The competitions are fierce and really test a student’s ability to hold up under pressure. I am very pleased with how well they did.”

In the postsecondary category, MGCCC continued its winning streak with exceptional performances in various disciplines. Emmanuel Reyes and Bruce Bradley secured silver medals in Industrial Motor Controls and Electrical Construction Wiring, respectively, showcasing their technical expertise and competence. Liliane Bullock showcased her culinary ability by clinching the bronze medal in Culinary Arts, while Piper Haag dazzled the judges with her exceptional skills, earning the coveted gold medal in Baking and Pastry Arts.

Reflecting on the achievements of the winners, Chef Lori Pearce, Chef Instructor, and Advising Coordinator for the School of Business, Law, Hospitality, and Culinary Arts at the Harrison County Campus of MGCCC, expressed her elation. “I could not be prouder of the dedication shown by these young people,” she said. “They have worked very hard to prepare for the competition, which shines through in what they have accomplished.”

The State SkillsUSA Awards ceremony, which took place on April 4, 2024, in Jackson, celebrated the talents and accomplishments of these outstanding individuals. With the gold medalists now advancing to the National SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta, Georgia, in June, MGCCC is poised to make its mark on the national stage.

MGCCC extends its congratulations to all the winners and expresses gratitude to the instructors, advisors, and supporters who contributed to their success.