SPRINGFIELD — Forty-seven Lincoln Land Community College students qualified for the 2025 Illinois SkillsUSA Competition after earning high scores at the SkillsUSA Regional Competition held last month at LLCC and the Capital Area Career Center (CACC).
The regional competition showcased the expertise of students competing in automotive and diesel technologies, welding and welding fabrication, culinary arts, and baking and pastry arts.
SkillsUSA, a national organization dedicated to preparing students for success in skilled careers, provides hands-on competitions that test industry knowledge, problem-solving abilities and technical skills. Participants compete in real-world scenarios judged by industry professionals, with top performers advancing to the state-level competition.
“We were excited to host the SkillsUSA Regional Competition and celebrate the next generation of skilled professionals,” said Dr. Nancy Sweet, dean, LLCC Workforce Institute. “The event not only highlights the incredible talent of our students but also underscores the importance of career and technical education in today’s workforce.”
The following LLCC students will be moving on to the SkillsUSA state competition. Students who qualified in more than one category are marked with an asterisk*.
Automotive Service Technology: JT Curtis, Livingston; Cory Dixon, Meredosia; Ben Gaul, Springfield; David Griefzu, Auburn; Carlos Fuentes, Beardstown; Malachi King, Litchfield; Kenden Longwell, Litchfield; Corey Maasen, Jacksonville; Tim Mix, Litchfield; Patrick Lipe, Harvel; Braden Snyder, Jacksonville; Michael Stewart, Jacksonville; and Tyler Terry, Fillmore.
Baking and Pastry Arts: Rene Croteau, Springfield; Payton Green, Springfield; and Mary Wichman, Rochester.
Culinary Arts: Jack Dearing, Havana and Gabriel Sarabia, Lincoln.
Diesel Equipment Technology: James Adkins, Franklin; Wyatt Arnberger, Sherman; Erin Barrick, Lincoln; Jason Boyd, Frankford, Mo.; Colton Decker*, Chatham; Allie Dzierwa*, New Berlin; Zachary Golden, Easton; Logan Hollo, Hillsboro; Erik Keeton*, Wavery; Steven Khorishko, Chatham; Bradley Payne, Springfield; Alec Poos, Pleasant Plains; Gavin Rynders*, Greenfield; Garrett Sheehan*, Concord; Shannon Smaga, Mechanicsburg; Kade Spurlock, Rochester; Will Stambaugh, Beason; Kyle Stinde, Centralia; Zach Taylor*, Springfield; John Tuxhorn*, Springfield; and Keenan Wine, Pittsfield.
Heating, Ventilation, A/C and Refrigeration (HVACR): Eamon Bommarito, Springfield; Aydin Folker, Jacksonville; David McCullum, Springfield; Alicia Pattarozzi, Taylorville; Alex Furichi Sarabia, Springfield; and Caitlyn Summers, Middletown.
Heavy Equipment Operator: Colton Decker*; Allie Dzierwa*; Erik Keeton*; Gage Kopec, Troy; Gavin Rynders*; Garrett Sheehan*; Zach Taylor*; and John Tuxhorn.*
Welding: Luke Leahy, Glenarm.
Students competing at the Illinois SkillsUSA State Conference in Peoria in April have the opportunity to qualify for the National SkillsUSA Championships to be held in Atlanta, Ga., in June.
To learn more about LLCC’s workforce career training, visit www.llcc.edu/workforce.