MIDDLEBURG — Cordell Yoder of Middleburg was among four students recognized for earning the Gold Medal at the 2025 National SkillsUSA Championships held in Atlanta, Ga.

SUN Area Technical Institute proudly hosted a press conference on July 10, to honor its TeamWorks team, who outperformed 36 other teams from across the country, placing first out of 37 in this “elite, multidisciplinary construction competition.”

Yoder was joined in this victory by Dominic Scott of Mifflinburg, Benjamin Rowan of Selinsgrove, and Ezra Carr of Port Trevorton.

The students, guided by their advisor, Brian Lauver, began their winning journey in January by securing first place at the district competition at The Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport. They continued their winning streak by capturing first place at the Pennsylvania state competition in Hershey this April, before going on to achieve national victory.

SkillsUSA is a national organization focused on developing personal, workplace, and technical skills among students in career and technical education programs at the secondary and post-secondary levels.

“This is a major accomplishment,” said Lauver. “Each of these students had to be highly skilled in their individual trade. They’re humble, but their performance speaks volumes.”

Throughout the national competition, the team encountered and overcame major challenges.

Yoder was the team’s electrician and noted that he could not begin his electrical work until the second day and initially doubted he would finish in time. However, Carr, the team’s carpenter and leader, reassured that Yoder had time to spare by the end.

Rowan, who handled HVAC and plumbing duties, recounted a critical error when drilling for toilet installation, only to discover they had hit a joist due to a platform misalignment. Judges informed the team that they could either stop or attempt a fix — but warned that placing would be unlikely.

Refusing to quit, Carr explained how they quickly reorganized.

“We raised the wall framing, and Dom [Dominic Scott] was literally bench-pressing the floor,” he said, describing the team’s relentless push to recover and finish strong.

Scott, the team’s mason, faced another challenge: the competition blueprints included a flaw that made a section of block work structurally unfeasible. After he pointed it out, judges determined no team would be penalized for that design issue.

Lauver, who has served as the school’s Carpentry Instructor for the past eight years, praised the students’ dedication and preparation: “What these students accomplished in just two eight-hour days is extraordinary. They came in well-trained by their instructors and worked tirelessly.”

He extended his thanks to Mr. Travis Weaver,HVAC, Van Reichelderfer, Electrical and Ryan Swinehart, Masonry, for their contributions to the students’ success.

Lauver also extended his thanks to Sarah Krebs and Mr. Jamie Kotarski, SkillsUSA Advisors who assisted in behind the scenes work.

Kristy Etzler, SUN Tech’s Administrative Director, commended the team during the press conference saying, “Not all high school students get the opportunity to spend 6.5 hours a day mastering their trade. What you accomplished in Atlanta has laid a strong foundation for your future. We are all extremely proud of you.”

Also in attendance were Senator Lynda Culver and State Rep.s David Rowe and Stephanie Borowicz, who presented the team, advisor, and school with official citations.

Senator Culver praised the team’s achievement, calling it a “proud moment for Central Pennsylvania.”

Rowe echoed the sentiment, noting, “Businesses in our region tell me they can’t find skilled workers like they can here in Central PA.”

Borowicz enthusiastically dubbed the students part of the “Toolbelt Generation,” applauding their readiness to meet the demands of the workforce.

The administration, faculty, and staff of SUN Area Technical Institute extend their heartfelt congratulations to Cordell, Ezra, Ben, and Dom. The school community celebrates their national victory and wishes them continued success in their future careers.