The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, NY – [June 9, 2026] – Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) Career and Technical Education (CV-TEC) proudly recognizes Shaelene Dedrick, a young professional from the CV-TEC Mineville Campus, for earning a Gold Medal and crowned National Champion at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC).

Shaelene, a young professional in Dr. Todd Menia’s New Visions Medical Careers program, representing CV-TEC & Ticonderoga Central School, achieved national distinction as the Gold Medalist in the Job Skill Demonstration (Open) competition, rising to the top among the nation’s most talented competitors.

The SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, held annually in Atlanta, is the nation’s premier showcase of career and technical education, bringing together more than 19,000 participants and featuring over 6,500 state champions competing in industry-driven events aligned to real-world workforce expectations.

The Job Skill Demonstration (Open) competition evaluates a participant’s ability to perform and clearly explain an entry-level technical skill, using hands-on demonstrations supported by practical applications, experiments, or visual aids. Competitors are required to deliver a timed presentation that highlights both technical proficiency and communication skills, reflecting the critical combination of competencies needed in today’s workforce.

Shaelene’s accomplishment reflects the high level of skill development, confidence, and professionalism fostered through CV-TEC’s New Visions Medical Careers program and her dedication to excellence in her field.

In addition to Shaelene’s national gold medal achievement, CV-TEC proudly represented New York State across multiple competitions at the national level. CV-TEC competitors included:

• Shaelene Dedrick (Ticonderoga Central School) – Job Skill Demonstration (Open) – Gold Medalist
• Bryan DesForge (Saranac Central School) – Pin Design
• Owen Fuller (Peru Central School) – Automotive Service Technology
• Hunter Garrand (Peru Central School), Damian Lannon (Saranac Central School), Jasmine LaValley (Northern Adirondack Central School), and Jacob Locke-Betters (Ausable Valley Central School) – Entrepreneurship Team Competition
• Gabriella Gill (Keene Central School) – Prepared Speech

CV-TEC was also proud to have a New York State SkillsUSA Officer represent New York at the national conference, demonstrating leadership and service at the highest level of the organization.

• Bailey Douglas (Ausable Valley Central School)

SkillsUSA is a national workforce development organization and career and technical student organization that partners education with industry to ensure that young professionals develop the technical, leadership, and employability skills required for career success. Its competitions are designed and evaluated by industry professionals to reflect current workforce demands.

“Shaelene’s achievement is an outstanding example of what happens when preparation, passion, and opportunity come together,” said Nicole Santaniello, CV-TEC Lead SkillsUSA Advisor. “We are incredibly proud of all of our young professionals who represented CV-TEC and New York State with professionalism, skill, and integrity on the national stage.”

“Shaelene’s success, along with the accomplishments of our entire SkillsUSA team, demonstrates the strength of our programs and the dedication of our young professionals and CV-TEC Team Members,” said Michele Friedman, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education at CVES. “We are proud to celebrate this national achievement and the continued impact of career and technical education in preparing the future workforce.”

This national recognition highlights CV-TEC’s commitment to preparing young professionals through rigorous, hands-on learning experiences aligned to in-demand careers and industry standards.

For additional information, please contact:  Santaniello__nicole@cves.org