ASU-Newport Cosmetology and Esthetics Students show off their awards at the 2026 Arkansas Skills USA Conference. Left to Right: Kateleigh Smith, Ella Oxley, Ayla Russell, Gwyneth Zimmerman, Anna Smith, Riley Staten. (Image provided by Arkansas State University-Newport)
Students from Arkansas State University-Newport’s Applied Sciences Division earned 18 medals at the recent SkillsUSA State Conference, competing in technical and career-focused categories.
The annual event challenges students in hands-on contests designed to showcase workforce skills. ASU-Newport students competed in fields including information technology, welding, cosmetology, energy systems, and culinary arts.
In the information technology services competition, Dylan Lucas earned a gold medal, and Jose Sayago took home bronze.
The welding program secured a bronze medal in the welding fabrication team competition, represented by Lamondrean Mitchell, Preston Sims, and Trip Johnson.
In the cosmetology competition, Ella Oxley earned gold, Kateleigh Smith earned silver, and Ayla Russell earned bronze. In esthetics, Riley Staten earned gold, Anna Smith earned silver, and Gweneth Zimmerman earned bronze.
Energy control technology students also saw several podium finishes. In HVACR, Jordan Miller earned silver and Matthew Price earned bronze. In electrical construction wiring, Tyler Booth captured gold, Caden Byrd earned silver, and Price added bronze.
In culinary arts, Carlee Holmes earned a gold medal.
“These results reflect the talent, dedication, and hard work of our students and faculty,” said Typhanie Myers, provost and vice chancellor for academic and student affairs. “SkillsUSA provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they’ve learned in real-world settings.”
SkillsUSA is a national organization that partners with industry leaders to develop a skilled workforce. State gold medalists may advance to the national competition to represent Arkansas.
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