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From engineering complex 3D-printed designs to mastering telecommunications cabling systems, Hollenstein Career & Technology Center students proved their skills on the state stage at the Texas SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference in Corpus Christi.

More than 30 Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD students competed in this year’s SkillsUSA state competition, earning multiple medals and national qualifying spots across engineering, automotive technology, telecommunications, cybersecurity, networking and more. Several students will now advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference this summer.

Students advancing to nationals include:

• Ivan Rossolov and Aiden Page - Chisholm Trail High School, first place in Additive Manufacturing
• Garrett Reeves - Chisholm Trail High School, first place in Marine Service Technology
• Giovanni Sanchez - Chisholm Trail High School, first place in Mobile Electronics Installation
• Pressley Dowel - Saginaw High School, first place in Telecommunications Cabling
• Joey Escamilla, Matthew Salinas, Kain Elmore, Garrett Reeves and Giovanni Sanchez - Chisholm Trail High School, third place in Auto Quiz Bowl
• Kain Elmore - Chisholm Trail High School, second place in Diesel Equipment Technology

Additional state medalists included:

• Daniel Ndanzia - Boswell High School, second place in Networking
• Aiden Wood - Chisholm Trail High School, second place in Power Equipment Technology
• Josey Badaway - Saginaw High School, third place in Telecommunications Cabling
• Aiden Castillo and Sam Bui - Chisholm Trail High School, third place in Cybersecurity

For Saginaw High School students Pressley Dowel and Josey Badaway, success in telecommunications cabling came through teamwork, trust and hours of preparation outside the school day. “We stayed after school several days a week practicing and doing mock competitions,” Dowel said. “That teamwork really helped because we were always helping each other improve.”

The pair, both returning state competitors, said the experience pushed them to sharpen technical skills while learning how to problem-solve under pressure. Their success also highlighted the collaboration and support students receive through HCTC programs. “The staff really helped a lot,” Dowel said. “Especially Ms. Traylor and Mr. Richey. They’re so supportive and tell us they’re proud of us.”

In additive manufacturing, Chisholm Trail High School students Ivan Rossolov and Aiden Page earned first place after designing and 3D printing a highly detailed trebuchet system capable of launching a LEGO mini figure across the competition floor. 

The engineering challenge required students to create prototypes, technical drawings, documentation and fully functional designs while working within strict specifications. The students credited HCTC engineering teacher Mr. Matt Tucker for helping create an environment where students take ownership of their learning and apply real-world engineering concepts. “He wanted this to be our project,” Rossolov said. “He wanted us to learn the concepts and create it ourselves.”

Page said the experience at HCTC has been unlike a traditional classroom setting. “It’s a very hands-on learning experience,” Page said. “There was never really a dull moment in manufacturing engineering.”

The strong showing at SkillsUSA reflects the impact of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD’s commitment to career and technical education through HCTC programs that give students access to industry-level equipment, real-world learning experiences and opportunities to compete at the highest levels.

From cybersecurity and engineering to automotive technology and health sciences, students are learning workforce-ready skills from educators who are preparing them for success beyond graduation.

The success at SkillsUSA also highlights what makes Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD an #EMSGreatChoice for students exploring college pathways, industry certifications and hands-on career training while still in high school.