Students from the WSWHE BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and the Early College Career Academy (ECCA) demonstrated exceptional skill and professionalism at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Championships, held April 23–25, 2025, at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY. WSWHE BOCES students earned multiple top honors, including Champion titles in several competitive categories.
First-place winners included:
- Morgan “Blair” Eager (Customer Service) – Saratoga Springs
- Alexa Parella (Employment Application) – Schuylerville
- Liam Wolf (Job Skills Demonstration) – Burnt Hills
- Entrepreneurship Team:
- Jordan Phillips – Glens Falls
- Robin Carroll – Cambridge
- Kimberly Fisk – Hadley-Luzerne
- Kendall Merlow – South Glens Falls
These students have qualified to advance to the national SkillsUSA Championships, which will take place in June.
In addition to competition successes, two WSWHE BOCES students were elected to serve as 2025–2026 New York State SkillsUSA Officers:
- Gianna Balsamo, a Culinary Arts & Hospitality student from Hudson Falls
- Antonella Barone, a Graphic & Visual Communications student from Saratoga Springs
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization that empowers students to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible citizens. By engaging industry professionals in the evaluation process, SkillsUSA ensures that student training aligns with current workforce needs. This year’s theme, “Ignite Your Potential,” encourages students to realize and strive toward their highest capabilities.
Congratulations to all WSWHE BOCES students who participated in the competition. Their achievements reflect hard work, dedication, and a strong commitment to excellence in their chosen career paths.
Learn more about SkillsUSA by clicking here.
Full list of the WSWHE BOCES and ECCA winners, click here.
Photos, click here for Facebook.