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ELHS SkillsUSA students excel at 2026 Ohio State Leadership and Skills Conference

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ELHS SkillsUSA students who competed at the 2026 Ohio State Leadership & Skills Conference include: Leadership Competitions: Mariah Bailey, Sabrina Hill, Chance Britter (Promotional Bulletin Board – Early Childhood Education); Sierra Reed, Emilia Hernandez, Karis Conkle (Creative Sculpture); Patient-Centered Care: Kamryn Yanni (Nursing Assistant); Ahkya Potts (Basic Health Care Skills); Presley Jones (Phlebotomy); Engineering: Brady Dawson, Ryan Bigelow (Mobile Robotics); Isabella Wright (Principles of Engineering & Technology); Kiera Mae Willis, Nathan Schwerha, Elijah Grogg (Engineering Design); Julianna Burchette, Cheyenne Taggart (Urban Search & Rescue); Media Arts: William “Ricky” McHenry, Marcheal Brown (Audio Radio Production); Jude Brown, Alex Hoyt (Digital Cinema Production); Isaiah Williamson, David Ansell (Video Production); Cosmetology: Ian Mellot (Barbering); Rinisha Lewis (Braiding & Hair Design); Georgia Pettner (Model); and Advancing from Regional Competition: Paige Smith (Prepared Speech). (Submitted photo)

EAST LIVERPOOL -- East Liverpool High School (ELHS) SkillsUSA students demonstrated exceptional talent and career-ready skills at the 74th Ohio State Leadership & Skills Conference (SLSC), held May 5 and 6 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus.

A total of 27 ELHS students competed in this prestigious statewide event, which brings together top Career & Technical Education (CTE) students from across Ohio. Participants are evaluated through hands-on, real-world competitions designed to measure technical ability, leadership, teamwork, and professionalism across a wide range of career pathways. ELHS students represented their programs with excellence, showcasing the strength and impact of career-focused education.

Top 3 Finishers in the State

ELHS students earned two podium finishes, placing among the best in Ohio:

* Digital Cinema Production (3rd Place): Jude Brown and Alex Hoyt

The Digital Cinema Production competition challenges students to create a short film project from concept to completion, including story development, scripting, filming, lighting, audio capture, and post-production editing.

* Principles of Engineering & Technology (3rd Place): Isabella Wright

This competition focuses on the engineering design process, requiring students to develop innovative solutions through research, planning, and technical presentation.

Top 25% Finishers in the State

* Phlebotomy (4th Place): Presley Jones

Demonstrating skills in venipuncture, safety protocols, infection control, and patient care.

* Braiding & Hair Design (7th Place): Rinisha Lewis

Showcasing technical cosmetology skills, creativity, and professional standards in hair design.

* Creative Sculpture (LEGO) (5th Place): Sierra Reed, Emilia Hernandez and Karis Conkle

A team-based event focused on design, creativity, structural integrity, and collaboration.

Top Half Finishers in the State

* Engineering Technology Design Team: Kiera Mae Willis, Nathan Schwerha and Elijah Grogg

* Robotics Urban Search & Rescue Team: Julianna Burchette and Cheyenne Taggart

* Promotional Bulletin Board Team: Mariah Bailey, Sabrina Hill and Chance Britter

These competitions require students to apply technical knowledge, critical thinking, and teamwork in real-world scenarios, preparing them for success in their future careers.

The Ohio State Leadership & Skills Conference serves as the premier showcase of student achievement in Career & Technical Education, aligning with the SkillsUSA mission of preparing students to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible citizens. ELHS students' performance highlights their dedication, technical expertise, and readiness to succeed in college, careers, and beyond.

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