SkillsUSA at Nationals
The Construction Technology Program at SEATech is extremely proud of our representation at SkillsUSA in Atlanta, Georgia, in June 2026. After winning the Washington State SkillsUSA Competition, Isaac Lyon, Charlie Bess, Kade Herrera, and Kole Herrera worked together at the National Competition. They were given the task of building a “small house” with plumbing, electrical, masonry, and a very unique two-level construction design.
The first day started with a preliminary look at the prints, worksite preparation, and inventory check. Then it was two long days of building, wiring, running pipe, and building a small brick feature on the front porch of the house. After the judging, it was time for clean-up, which was also scored in the competition. The materials used by the students were carefully recycled and given to a nonprofit to build homes for the less fortunate.
Many companies donated time, materials, and tools to make this happen.
Our students did well at SkillsUSA, competing against approximately 47 other teams. It is exciting to see our students learn to work with each other, a skill that will hopefully last a lifetime!
The SEATech Skills Center Criminal Justice Program's first-place state team—comprising Emily Eggers, Lily Contreras, and Makaya Mings—secured a spot at the SkillsUSA National Championships in Atlanta, Georgia, in June 2026 after contending against the state's top competitors in the Crime Scene Investigation State Championship on April 16.
At the demanding national event, the trio demonstrated outstanding expertise in criminal justice techniques, earning Work Ready Industry Certificates. They showcased advanced proficiency in crime scene processing, detailed evidence analysis, and rigorous collection practices. This stellar performance earned them a 13th-place national ranking, reinforcing their position among the nation's top competitors.
During the State Competition, Lana Messenger delivered a standout speech, earning the role of State Officer for the Eastern Region.
This past year was a groundbreaking year for the SEATech Careers in Media & Entertainment program. For the first time, two teams qualified for SkillsUSA Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia!
Audio Production: Jude Neal & Kourtenay Driver — Washington State Gold
Video Production: Yaritza Gama & Abigail Blackham — Washington State Gold
Getting to Nationals was no easy accomplishment. Our students first had to compete at Regionals, creating and producing content under competition guidelines. They then advanced to Washington State, where they faced another round of production challenges and earned gold medals in their divisions. Those victories qualified them to represent SEATech, Walla Walla, and Washington State on the national stage.
Our teams traveled to Atlanta for the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, where they competed at the massive Georgia World Congress Center alongside talented students from across the country. They worked with the national competition teams for their divisions and experienced what it was like to perform their skills at the highest level of SkillsUSA competition.
Students returned to Walla Walla on June 4, 2026, just in time for our seniors to participate in graduation.
“I could not be more proud of how our students represented SEATech, Walla Walla, and Washington State. This truly was a groundbreaking year for our program.” Andrew Sayers, advisor.
One of the most rewarding parts of teaching CTE is watching students realize just how much they are capable of. We are not simply teaching students how to make videos, record audio, or operate equipment—we are helping them develop the professional, technical, creative, and teamwork skills they can carry into college, careers, and the workforce.
“Watching these students rise to this level and shine on a national stage was truly one of the highlights of my teaching career.”
SEATech students join the 2026-2027 State Officer Team
Pictured from left to right: Abby Hill, Kinley Hardwick, Bettie Rae Woolworth, Isaac Lyon, Daniel Hassell, Alex Phillips, Juniper Huntley-Stern, Marie Montano, and Lana Messenger.
Isaac Lyon and Lana Messenger are proudly representing SEATech as part of the 2026-2027 State Officer Team.
These student leaders will represent members from across the state while supporting conferences, workshops, membership growth, and the mission of SkillsUSA Washington throughout the year.
President Alex Phillips, Vice President Abby Hill, Secretary Kinley Hardwick, Treasurer Daniel Hassell, Director of Public Relations Bettie Rae Woolworth, Central Region Representative Marie Montano, Eastern Region Representative Lana Messenger, Olympic & Southwest Regions Representative Juniper Huntley-Stern, and Puget Sound Region Representative Isaac Lyon.
We are excited to see the leadership, passion, and dedication this team will bring to the year ahead.
