HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Hutchinson Career & Technical Education Academy (HCTEA) hosted the SkillsUSA District Tournament on Thursday, November 20, welcoming students from Pratt and Ellinwood high schools. The event featured Leadership competitions including Job Interview, Job Demonstration A, and Job Demonstration Open.
SkillsUSA is a national organization that provides students in technical and career training programs, from middle school through postsecondary education, opportunities to develop leadership skills, compete in industry-related events, and connect with local employers.
HCTEA students dominated the district, qualifying nine out of ten positions for the State SkillsUSA Conference, which will be held March 2–3, 2026. Contestants represented HCTEA’s Welding, Auto Body and Collision, Auto Mechanics, and Machining programs. Judges represented the professional community from around Reno County.
District Results
Job Interview – Postsecondary
1st Place: Chyanne Myers, HCTEA (Hutchinson Community College)
Job Interview – High School
1st Place: Weldon Stanley, HCTEA (Haven HS)
2nd Place: Blake Beamont, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)
3rd Place: Brody Root, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)
Job Demonstration A
1st Place: Jake Wolfe, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)
2nd Place: Johanna Forssberg, (Pratt HS)
3rd Place: Harlie Terrell, HCTEA (Buhler HS)
Job Demonstration Open
1st Place: Hayden Von Ahnen, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)
2nd Place: Jared Miller, HCTEA (Buhler HS)
3rd Place: Tanner Loughrie, HCTEA (Haven HS)
Glenna Burden, SkillsUSA Sponsor and HHS Government Teacher, said, “I couldn’t be prouder of our students for their outstanding performances at the SkillsUSA district competition. Their dedication and professionalism truly shined, and they represented our school with exceptional skill and character. Watching them grow into confident, capable leaders is the greatest reward of all.”
HCTEA is proud of the students’ accomplishments and looks forward to cheering them on at the State SkillsUSA Conference in March 2026. Their success reflects the dedication of both the students and instructors in preparing for these competitive leadership and technical events.