21 Massachusetts Students Claim Gold Medals at National Skills and Leadership Conference

Twenty-one students with Massachusetts SkillsUSA captured gold medals during the national Skills and Leadership Competition, held in late June in Atlanta. Massachusetts students also earned 11 silver and seven bronze medals.

Massachusetts earned 39 medals, placing it among the Top 10 states for medals earned. Students earned awards in both skills categories – including dental assisting, electronics technology and robotics – as well as leadership categories, such as community action and leadership in facility management.

At the same time, two Massachusetts students earned their third consecutive national gold award: Cole Kelley of Shawsheen Technical High School in Billerica for HVAC, and Anthony Gonzalez, the chapter’s president, of Lynn Vocational Technical Institute for Community Action Project.

“There was definitely a lot more pressure because it was my last year, and I think it was tougher to get through the state competition. You want to go out on top,” said Gonzalez, who was attending his third national conference – and he had a watchful eye on his younger brother, Bryan Belloso Gonzalez, who was at his first national competition as a rising freshman. “I wanted to make sure it was as meaningful for him as it was for me.”

Several categories included two- or three-member teams, meaning that 21 Massachusetts students earned gold in 13 contests. That was followed by nine silver and four bronze category awards. Overall, those placements meant Massachusetts teams and individuals medaled in 26% of the contests entered. 

For example, the Gonzalez brothers competed as a two-member team, continuing with Anthony’s years-long interest in community. This year, the project focused on the role of family in addressing root issues that could reduce gun violence, featuring events and activities across the year to promote stable homes and environments. “We all have a shared goal: We want to make home a better place,” he said.

“Our students brought their ‘A games’ to the national competition and put their skills and talents up against the best students across the country,” said Karen Ward, executive director of SkillsUSA Massachusetts. “And, once again, they demonstrated the expertise and poise to capture an outstanding share of the medals. These are the next generation of skilled workers and craftspeople, and they more than demonstrated that they’re ready to step into critical roles in our state.” 

Kayla Mathieu ended her tenure as national treasurer at the June event. She graduated from Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton, where she took culinary arts as her skills course, and is now a freshman studying international relations at the University of Massachusetts – Boston.

“Being a national officer pushed me out of my shell to be more communicative and network better,” said Mathieu, whose leadership track started by serving as state secretary. “Every contact I’ve made through SkillsUSA has helped me expand, and I’m grateful for the experience.”

Mathieu credits the culinary program for teaching her how to deliver under pressure and stress, and she fondly remembers preparing lunch in class every Friday. Those were significant lessons, coupled with others from her leadership roles, that shaped her into who she is today. “My senior year went by so incredibly fast,” the Brockton resident added. “Every day was a reflection for me. I tried to live in the moment and uplift other members.”

Kallie Allen, a rising senior at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton, was named national president for the 2024-25 season.