3 Mesa students honored at annual SkillsUSA workforce development event

Three career and technical students who live in Mesa were recognized with a certificate of accomplishment at the National Leadership & Skills Conference June 1-5 in Atlanta. An all-time high of 7,000 students competed in the 2026 SkillsUSA Championships at NLSC, which is the largest gathering of the future skilled workforce.

The students are:

• Cash Perrington of Mesa and a student at East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa was awarded a skill point certificate in barbering.
• Aviana Fincher of Mesa and a student at East Valley Institute of Technology’s Power Campus in Mesa was awarded a skill point certificate in cosmetology.
• Charles Adams of Mesa and a student at Mountain View High School in Mesa was awarded a skill point certificate in cabinetmaking.

A total of 1,224 gold, silver and bronze medals were presented to student winners in 115 hands-on career and leadership competitions across middle school, high school and college/postsecondary divisions. Many winners also received industry prizes, tools of their trade or scholarships. The competitors also received a Skill Point Certificate, an indicator of career readiness. Students can add this certificate to their employment portfolio.

To be invited to the SkillsUSA Championships, students first had to win their state-level competition, demonstrating their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills. The national competition featured state champions vying for honors in competitions including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance, public speaking and more.

“This showcase of career and technical education demonstrates SkillsUSA at its finest,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “Our students, instructors and industry partners work together to ensure that every student excels.”

The next NLSC will be held June 21-25, 2027, in Atlanta. Learn more about SkillsUSA at www.skillsusa.org.