Saint Paul College students showed their talents this past weekend at the SkillsUSA Minnesota Conference. Their professionalism and dedication were clear as they competed in different categories. The event was held at Wayzata High School, with contests happening across the Twin Cities. We’re proud of all the winners, especially the first-place finishers who will move on to the SkillsUSA National Conference in Atlanta from June 1 to 5, 2026.

2026 SkillsUSA results for Saint Paul College

Cabinetmaking

Tommy Ihnot – 1st Place Gold (on to Nationals)

Commercial Baking

• Teresa Kracht- 1st Place Gold (on to Nationals)  

Cosmetology

• Elizabeth Diekvoss- 3rd Place Bronze
• Saido Ali- 2nd Place Silver
• Gabriella Odegard- 1st Place Gold (on to Nationals)  

Culinary Arts

• Parker Senne- 2nd Place Silver

Electrical Construction Wiring

• Mack Carlson- 2nd Place Silver

Nail Care

• Rochelle Lund (contestant), April Withrow (model)- 3rd Place Bronze
• Daphne Espinoza (contestant), Sabrina Mendez (model)- 2nd Place Silver

Sheet Metal

• Lia Lee- 3rd Place Bronze
• Nathan Affoher- 2nd Place Silver
• Aiden Reller- 1st Place Gold (on to Nationals)  

Carpentry

• Kyle Biostad- 3rd Place Bronze

The SkillsUSA National Conference is the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce and a recognition of career and technical education excellence. SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, representing over 413,000 career and technical education students and teachers. The organization represents 130 occupational areas, from 3D Animation to Welding, and nearly everything in between. They empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members.