Wiregrass Georgia Technical College student Alexis Ramirez of Hahira earned a bronze medal in Dental Assisting at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) and National Championships, placing among the nation’s top competitors in her field.
Ramirez qualified for the national competition after winning a gold medal in Dental Assisting at the Georgia SkillsUSA Championships earlier this year. Representing both Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and the State of Georgia, she competed against the nation’s best and returned home with a place on the national podium.
In addition to Ramirez’s bronze-medal finish, three other Wiregrass students proudly represented Georgia at the national competition:
- Makhya Powell of Valdosta – Job Skill Demonstration
• Benjamin Cook of Ocilla – Telecommunications Cabling
• Hannah Wisenbaker of Valdosta – T-Shirt Design
The SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference brings together thousands of students, educators, and industry professionals from across the country to compete, network, and explore emerging workforce technologies.
SkillsUSA provides students with opportunities to develop and showcase their technical skills while building valuable connections with peers and industry professionals across the state. At the national conference, those opportunities expand even further, as students network with competitors from all 50 states and engage with business and industry leaders from around the world. They are also exposed to cutting-edge technologies, emerging industry trends, and innovative projects that are shaping the future workforce.
“Our students, as well as advisors, invest a tremendous amount of time and effort preparing for these competitions, and it is a great honor for them—and for Wiregrass—to represent both our college and the State of Georgia on the national stage,” said Kelley Wetherington, Director of Campus Life and Lead SkillsUSA Advisor. “Competing against the best of the best is both a challenge and a privilege, and we are extremely proud of their hard work, commitment, and accomplishments.”
The accomplishments of these students reflect Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s ongoing commitment to developing highly skilled, career-ready graduates who make an impact in their professions and communities.
For more information about Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, its programs, and student opportunities, visit Wiregrass.edu.
