Young County Man Wins National SkillsUSA Award for Carpentry

Zacarias Felipe, a college student from Graham, earned a silver medal in Carpentry at the 2025 SkillsUSA Championships, one of the country’s most prestigious career and technical competitions.

Felipe, who studies at Texas State Technical College in Waco, competed against top students from across the nation during the event held June 25-26 in Atlanta, Georgia. More than 6,500 students took part in the SkillsUSA Championships, showcasing their talents in over 100 skilled trades, from robotics to aviation maintenance.

Felipe also received a Skill Point Certificate, signifying his readiness to enter the workforce. Industry leaders and judges from across the country evaluated competitors on technical expertise, workplace habits, and professionalism.

SkillsUSA is the largest skilled trades competition in the world and plays a key role in developing the next generation of workers. For more information, visit skillsusa. org.