Madison Reporter

Madison College students participated in the 58th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), showcasing their skills across nine competitions. The event featured 6,880 participants from middle school, high school, and post-secondary levels competing in 114 different categories.

Jeremy Radke, an Auto Collision student, earned a bronze medal in Automotive Refinishing Technology and will represent the USA at the WorldSkills competition in Shanghai, China, in 2026. His advisor is Aaron Stroot.

Aric Anderson made history as the first Wisconsin post-secondary student to compete nationally in Baking & Pastry Arts, securing the 15th position. Suzanne Daly served as his advisor.

Gray Buchanan placed ninth nationwide in Cosmetology under the guidance of advisor Melissa Brainerd.

Ben Strupp won a silver medal for Diesel Equipment Technology and also qualifies for WorldSkills 2026. Aron Kershaw is his advisor.

Emma Schwantes secured a silver medal in Pin Design and led officer training sessions. Jon Helt advised her efforts.

Javier Sanchez became Madison College's first Culinary Arts competitor at this level, finishing eighth against top culinary institutions like the Culinary Institute of America. Irene Pawlisch was his advisor.

Adalie Balster achieved 12th place nationally in Extemporaneous Speaking while representing SkillsUSA-WI at various events. Craig Lathrop advised her activities.

Broderick Miller finished 13th in Technical Drafting with Jon Helt as his advisor.

Nick Acierno, Luke Gratz, and Logan Hardyman earned bronze medals in Welding Fabrication. They were part of a team that brought back medals for SkillsUSA Wisconsin College Post-secondary (C/PS) for the first time; previously, the highest placement was fourth. Their advisors were Jon Christian and Al Weishoff.

Dani Casperson represented SkillsUSA-WI during Leverage training sessions and helped elect new national officers with Aron Kershaw as her advisor.