Some of the brightest minds in the nation competed for College of Lake County (CLC) during the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, bringing home two bronze medals.
At an event known as the “Largest Gathering of America’s Future Skilled Workforce,” CLC students competed against state winners from around the country. SkillsUSA gives students the chance to show off the skills they’ve learned and meet people in the industries they plan to work in after college.
The bronze medals were won by Sam Soulari in Baking and Pastry Arts and Joanna Von Hoene in Criminal Justice Practitioner.
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“More than the medal itself, I see this competition as an incredible learning opportunity that has helped me grow both professionally and personally,” Soulari said.
Michael Crozier placed 16th out of all of the state winners in Industrial Motor Control, and the Crime Scene Investigation team of Lindsey Clements, Zulma Mendoza and Briana Lugo placed fourth.
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“We are so proud of all our students who showed the poise and determination to get to SkillsUSA Nationals,” said Lead Faculty Advisor for SkillsUSA Dave Wooten. “On a competition that is at the national level, our students made us proud of what they have accomplished as young professionals in their fields. Congratulations to the students who competed and hats off to the faculty who trained and supported them through the entire process.”
About College of Lake County
College of Lake County (CLC) is a comprehensive community college providing northeastern Illinois with equitable, high-quality education, cultural enrichment and workforce partnerships. It is designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2023, CLC was named a Leader College by the nationally recognized Achieving the Dream organization. Each person affiliated with the college is committed to ensuring access, belonging and success for all CLC students. The college offers more than 170 degree and career certificate programs. Affordable in-person and online college credit and non-credit classes help students achieve academic, career and personal goals. CLC has three campuses located in Grayslake, Vernon Hills and Waukegan. The Advanced Technology Center opened in Gurnee in 2022, and Prairie Restaurant at Brae Loch opened in Grayslake in 2023. Learn more at www.clcillinois.edu or call (847) 543-2000.
