Pennsylvania College of Technology student Brock J. Dunkelberger was awarded a gold medal at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, held in Atlanta in June.
Dunkelberger, of Catawissa, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering design technology and completed an associate degree in engineering CAD technology in May. He earned gold in the Technical Drafting competition, which challenges competitors to apply technical drafting skills and tools to solve industry-developed problems.
Pennsylvania College of Technology engineering design technology student Brock J. Dunkelberger (center), of Catawissa, poses with the gold medal he earned in the college/postsecondary technical drafting competition at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta. With Dunkelberger are silver medalist Dustin Kaschmitter (left), of Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho) and bronze medal winner Tithen FitzGerald, of Montana State University-Northern.
During the SkillsUSA Championships, more than 6,800 state champions from across the nation compete in 114 skill and leadership career competitions.
Other Penn College students representing Pennsylvania at the national event were George W. Dalrymple, of Branchburg, New Jersey (welding); Ryan D. Burger, of Perkasie (aviation); and Chase D. Ebeling, of Bellefonte (plumbing). Connor M. Hecei, of Warren (automotive service), also earned gold at the Pennsylvania SkillsUSA competition but was unable to attend the national event.
Earning second place at the state competition were Lauren B. Klinger, of Kresgeville (architectural drafting); Benjamin L. Williams, of Peach Bottom (collision repair); the “team works” team of Sam J. Thornton, of Havertown, Owen W. Brackbill, of Doylestown, Christopher J. Riether, of Newtown, and Haleymaria L. Hallock, of Lewis Run; and the welding fabrication team of Wyatt Kobel, of Port Trevorton, Brian P. Reeder, of Mifflinburg, and Myles J. Snyder, of Boiling Springs.
SkillsUSA is a nonprofit partnership of students, teachers and industry that serves middle school, high school and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.
SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference is the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce and the ultimate recognition of excellence in career and technical education. The conference is a week-long celebration of the skilled trades and the accomplishments of career-ready leaders from across the United States. The event brings together over 19,000 attendees, including students, instructors, industry partners, government officials, administrators and more.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email Admissions or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
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