Students earn top honors, national spots at 2026 SkillsUSA competition

Madison College students showcased their talent and career-ready skills at the 2026 SkillsUSA Wisconsin State Leadership and Skills Conference, earning top honors and national recognition in one of the state’s premier skilled trades competitions.

Fifty Madison College students competed in 16 contests during the two-day conference, held April 7–8 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.

• 30 students had earned medals across 14 competitions—demonstrating excellence in fields ranging from advanced manufacturing and welding to baking, design and automotive technologies. 
• 14 students captured gold medals and will advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, June 1–6 in Atlanta, Georgia.

“This is what career education looks like in action,” said Madison College Skills USA faculty coordinator Tom Wozniak. “Our students are applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world challenges and succeeding at the highest levels. We look forward to bringing even more success home from Atlanta.”

In addition to competition success, Madison College students were elected to SkillsUSA Wisconsin leadership roles:

• Emma Schwantes, Mechanical Design 
• Dani Casperson, Graphic Design 
• Will Sellner, Diesel Heavy Truck Technology 

Cosmetology and Barbering instructor Melissa Brainerd earned the prestigious Pillars of Success award from SkillsUSA Wisconsin college/postsecondary for her years of dedication to student success and leadership in state and national competitions.