Students from high schools across Owensboro and the surrounding region earned top honors at Owensboro Community & Technical College’s second annual Trade Wars competition, where more than 100 participants competed in hands-on challenges tied to high-demand career fields.
The event, held on OCTC’s main campus, featured competitions in manufacturing, skilled trades, and professional skills, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in areas ranging from welding and electrical work to public speaking and visual arts.
“Trade Wars is an incredible opportunity for students to experience the excitement of hands-on learning while exploring high-demand career pathways,” said Dr. Scott Williams, president of OCTC. “We are proud to partner with our regional schools and industry leaders to create meaningful experiences that inspire students, build confidence, and connect them to rewarding futures right here in our community.”
Students competed for the title of Trade Wars Champion, earning medals, career-related prizes, and championship banners for their schools.
Local top finishers across multiple categories included:
- Air Conditioning Technology:
Jacob Aud, Trinity High School - Criminal Justice:
Speed competition — Issac Hernandez, Trinity High School
Accuracy competition — Braxton Archie, Owensboro Innovation Academy - Computerized Manufacturing & Machining:
Timed competition — Eli Smith, Ohio County ATC
Best in Show — Taylor Stearsman, Ohio County ATC; Second Place
Best in Show — Savannah Bellamy, Owensboro Innovation Academy - Industrial Maintenance Technology:
Hydraulic Circuit — Jessie Marcum, Owensboro Innovation Academy
Fluid Power Circuit — Ridley Cecil, Owensboro Innovation Academy - Mathematics:
First Place (tie) — Max Wells and Nolan Tines, Owensboro Innovation Academy - Visual Arts:
Speed Painting — Emily Burden, Owensboro Innovation Academy - World of Welding Championship:
GMAW — Bailee Rogier, Breckenridge County ATC
SMAW — Brody Anderson, Ohio County ATC - Electrical Technology:
Breaker Termination — Zach Watson, Ohio County ATC
GFCI Receptacle Termination — JoJo Smith, Ohio County ATC
Residential Lighting & Wiring — Daniel Singleton, Ohio County ATC - Professional Skills Informative Speaking:
First Place — Lillian Simon, St. Benedict’s Home Academy
Second Place — Macie Carroway, McLean County High School - Poetry:
Madeline Myer, Daviess County High School - Persuasive Speaking:
Madeline Myer, Daviess County High School - Automotive Technology:
First Place — Benji Edds, Owensboro Innovation Academy
Second Place — Max Hamilton, Owensboro Innovation Academy - Diesel Technology:
Camden Nicely, Ohio County ATC
Owensboro Innovation Academy teacher Stacy Pedley was also recognized for her support of the event, helping register more than 50 students across multiple competition areas.
Participating schools included Breckenridge County ATC and High School, Cloverport Independent Schools, Daviess County High School, McLean County High School, Ohio County ATC and High School, Owensboro High School, the ROCK Homeschool, St. Benedict’s Home Academy, and Trinity High School.
OCTC officials said the event continues to grow as a regional showcase for technical education while connecting students with local industry partners.
The college also thanked sponsors, including presenting sponsor IBEW-NECA Electrical Training Alliance, T-shirt sponsor JATC, and technical programs sponsor Four Seasons Heating & Cooling, for helping make the event free for participants.
Registration is now open for the next Trade Wars session focused on healthcare careers, scheduled for April 17. To register, visit owensboro.kctcs.edu/tradewars/. For additional questions or to be sent the waiver for participants, email [email protected].
