Students from Chattanooga State Community College’s Tennessee Technology Center (TTC) excelled in their performance at the annual competition SkillsUSA held this week at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center. SkillsUSA members from across the state converged on Chattanooga to compete in two divisions. High school students competed against each other in the secondary while technology center students competed in the post-secondary division.

TTC students from Chattanooga State entered 30 of the 51 state postsecondary SkillsUSA categories. Their exemplary performance resulted in earning gold medals in 10 events, silver medals in seven events and bronze medals in 5 events. Gold medal winners will travel to Kansas City, Missouri in June to compete in the SkillsUSA National competition. Additionally, for the fourth time in six years, the TTC at Chattanooga State received the James D. King Award that is conveyed upon the Technology Center that earns the most medals at the state postsecondary competition.

”Winning the James D. King Award for the fourth time in six years is a great accomplishment for our TTC and a source of pride. Our success can be attributed to the commitment and skill level of our students who compete, and the dedication of our faculty advisors who work with students in preparation for the contests,” said Dr. Mike Ricketts, dean and department head, TTC at Chattanooga State. 

One of the highlights of the event was the selection of Dr. Jim Barrott, vice president for Technology and the director of the Technology Center, to receive the state’s Wind Beneath My Wings Award for his unwavering support of the SkillsUSA Chapter at Chattanooga State. 

When asked how he felt about receiving the Wind Beneath My Wings Award, Dr. Barrott said, “This award is a reflection on the great work of our faculty, staff and students with SkillsUSA. I am pleased to be recognized as a supporter of their great efforts. SkillsUSA is a positive influence in preparing students for the real world of work.” 

For information about Chattanooga State Community College and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 697-4404 or toll free at 866 547-3733. Information is available at on the Chattanooga State website at www.chattanoogastate.edu, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChattState, and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ChattStateCC.