From left, Ryan Callaway (second), Katie Pepper (first) and Justus Looney (third) celebrate winning medals during the recent SkillsUSA contest at the Limestone County Career Technical Center.

More than 30 students recently earned medals during the Limestone County Career Technical Center SkillsUSA contest. First-place winners and some silver medalists advance to the state contest in April.

Career Tech students from the county’s six high schools, Athens High School and Athens Bible School competed in categories such as drafting, graphic communications and computer maintenance technology.

Among this year’s gold medalists are Tanner’s Katie Pepper, who came in third in design drafting at state in 2013, and East Limestone’s Matthew Pittenger, who earned bronze in computer maintenance technology at state last year.

The state competition has more than 60 categories and drew almost 2,000 students last year. This year’s championship is April 24-25 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

Local winners

Listed below are local SkillsUSA winners:

• Basic design drafting — Levi Pipes, first; Josh Vargas, second; Andrew Hughes, third

• Architectural design drafting — Caleb Kobeck, first; Jordan Lewis, second

• Technical design drafting — Katie Pepper, first; Justus Looney, second; Ryan Calloway, third

• Precision machining technology — Wesley Craig, first; Logan Bates, second; Levi Terry, third

• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning — Cody Thomas, first; Chris Hagood, second

• Graphic communications — Leighann Haraway, first; Brandon Tidwell, second; LeeAnn Bible;

• Cosmetology — Estefanie Soto, first; Brielle Youngken, second

• Men’s hair design — Iesha Hill, first

• Esthetics — Jessica Avila with model Jaciona Hicks

• Computer maintenance technology — Matthew Pittenger, first; Michael Shunnarah, second; Devin Hardy, third

• Computer programming — Kenny Hampton, first

• Automotive refinishing — John Cordle, first; Matt Markham and Payton Ikard, second (tie)

• Automotive refinishing (first year) — Raquel Kunz, first place

• Automotive metal repair — Josh Sims, first; Robert Martin, second

Welding winners advanced to the regional competition at Calhoun Community College. Jake Simmons won Career Tech’s welding contest.

To view photos of all available winners, visit http://thenewscourier.smugmug.com/School/SkillsUSA-medalists/37473201_9TBPpZ#!i=3106936688&k=tvZ5k8F.