Albany Technical College Student Earns Bronze Medal at National SkillsUSA Competition
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
Albany Technical College students represented the college on the national stage at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, held June 1-5, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, with one ATC student earning a national medal.
Eleanor Handwerk earned a Bronze Medal in Welding Sculpture, placing among the top national competitors in her category. Albany Technical College was also represented by Nadia Qualls in Esthetics, Olivia Taylor as an Esthetics model, Tommy Stewart in Masonry, and Chavares Porter in Extemporaneous Speaking.
“Competing on the national stage is an incredible achievement, and we are extremely proud of the professionalism, dedication, and excellence demonstrated by each of our students throughout the week,” said Kenneth Williams, Student Life and Athletic Director at Albany Technical College. “While Eleanor brought home a medal, each of our competitors represented Albany Technical College with superior skill, commitment, professionalism, integrity, and Titan pride.”
Williams also recognized the faculty and staff advisors who helped prepare and support the students during their SkillsUSA journey, noting that their mentorship, guidance, and commitment to student success continue to make a lasting impact.
Albany Technical College was represented by the following national competitors:
Student Competition Aera Recognition
Eleanor Handwerk Welding Sculpture Bronze Medalist
Nadia Qualls
and Olivia Taylor Esthetics National Competitor
(Model)
Tommy Stewart Masonary National Competitor
Chavares Porter Extemporaneous National Competitor
Speaking
Across the Technical College System of Georgia, students earned 36 medals at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Championships, including 17 gold, 6 silver, and 13 bronze medals. Combined with Georgia’s secondary division competitors, the state earned a total of 55 national medals, placing Georgia sixth nationally in overall medal count.
TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier said Georgia’s SkillsUSA competitors continue to show the talent, determination, and technical expertise that define the strength of Georgia’s workforce and reflect the instruction, partnerships, and workforce-focused education taking place across the state’s 22 technical colleges.
SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers, and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The organization serves more than 400,000 members annually and is recognized as one of the nation’s premier career and technical student organizations.
Albany Technical College congratulates each of its national competitors and the faculty and staff advisors who helped prepare them for this achievement. Their work reflects the mission of Albany Technical College to provide quality technical education, strengthen workforce development, and create opportunities for student success.
