Students from College of Western Idaho (CWI) put their technical skills and preparation to the test during the 2026 Idaho State Leadership and Skills Conference hosted by SkillsUSA on March 5, earning multiple podium finishes across competitions ranging from Cybersecurity and Networking to Welding and Automotive Technology.
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization that serves middle school, high school, and college students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. Through partnerships with educators and industry leaders, the organization helps students develop leadership abilities and real-world technical skills that translate directly to the workforce.
Competitions were held at several CWI locations, including the Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Canyon County Center (CYNC), Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), and Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), bringing together high school and college students from across the state to compete in career and technical skill events.
From Cybersecurity, which tests students’ knowledge of industry-standard protocols and their ability to secure, operate, and defend complex network systems, to Internetworking, where competitors demonstrate hands-on skills configuring routers, switches, and servers while troubleshooting real-world network issues, CWI students put their classroom learning to the test in a range of demanding competitions.
Others showcased their talents in Web Design and Development, creating websites for specific clients and audiences, and Extemporaneous Speaking, delivering impromptu speeches judged on organization, delivery, and effectiveness. Beyond IT and communication, students competed in Welding Fabrication and Welding Sculpture, Diesel Equipment Technology, Automotive Service Technology, and Collision Repair, demonstrating technical expertise, precision, and problem-solving under pressure.
One memorable moment came during the Web Design and Development competition, when CWI student, Chase Davis, competed independently after a teammate was unable to participate. Facing teams of two, Davis rose to the challenge and earned a silver medal.
Medal Placements
Internetworking
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Gold — Gage Maxey
Cybersecurity
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Gold — Samuel McKinley
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Gold — Thomas Bu Morrisroe
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Silver — Jared Clarke
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Silver — Dylan Nee
Extemporaneous Speaking
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Gold — Lorivern Saycon
Web Design and Development
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Gold — Ryan Posey
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Gold — Matthias Barnes
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Silver — Chase Davis
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Bronze — Wade Kollman
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Bronze — Christian Murdock
Collision Repair Technology
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Gold — Autumn Harvey
Heavy Equipment Technology
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Gold — Joe Elzinga
Welding Fabrication
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Gold — Brandon Solotky
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Gold — Ervin Williams
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Gold — Chance Patterson
Welding Sculpture
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Gold — Franky Ramirez
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Bronze — Elanor Donaldson
Automotive Service Technology
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Silver — Ben Kopping
Customer Service
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Silver — Elanor Donaldson
Job Interview
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Silver — Patrick Fry-Althwani
Students earning gold medals in their respective competitions secured a place at the national SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 1 – 5, where they will compete alongside top student talent from across the country.
