Twelve College of Western Idaho (CWI) students traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, June 1 – 5, to represent Idaho at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC). Competing against some of the nation's top career and technical education students, CWI earned national recognition with two medal-winning entries, including gold in Collision Repair Technology and bronze in Cyber Security.
SkillsUSA is a nonprofit organization serving middle school, high school, and college students. In partnership with students, educators, and industry leaders, the organization works to develop a skilled workforce in America. Students who earn gold medals at their state competitions advance to the National Leadership and Skills Conference, where more than 19,000 attendees gather from across the country to compete in more than 115 skilled trade, technical, and leadership events.
Leading the way for CWI was Collision Repair Technology graduate, Autumn Harvey, who earned a gold medal in Collision Repair Technology, finishing first in a field of 21 competitors. CWI also earned a bronze medal in Cyber Security, where Cybersecurity student, Thomas Bu Morrisoroe, and Cybersecurity graduate, Samuel McKinley, placed third nationally among 15 teams.
Medal Winners
Gold Medal
- Autumn Harvey — Collision Repair Technology
Bronze Medal
- Thomas Bu Morrisoroe and Samuel McKinley — Cyber Security
National Competitors
- Gage Maxey — Internetworking, fourth place
- Matthias Barnes and Ryan Posey — Web Design and Development, sixth place
- Joseph Elzinga — Diesel Equipment Technology, seventh place
- Franky Ramirez — Welding Sculpture, seventh place
- Lorivern Saycon — Extemporaneous Speaking, ninth place
- Chance Patterson, Brandon Solotky, and Ervin Williams — Welding Fabrication, 27th place
Beyond the competitions, students spent the week attending workshops, visiting exhibitors, and meeting peers and professionals from around the nation. These experiences helped students expand their knowledge, make new connections, and gain a broader view of their industries.
Medals were not the only honors awarded that weekend. CWI Collision Repair Technology graduate, Jessica Crowley, was one of two individuals recognized with the SkillsUSA Volunteer of the Year Award. Crowley has volunteered with the organization for 13 years and most recently served as SkillsUSA Automotive Refinish Co-Chair.
To learn more about SkillsUSA opportunities at CWI, contact SkillsUSA Advisor, Justin Lund at justinlund@cwi.edu.
