The excitement and energy of the 2025 SkillsUSA Maine Competition reached new heights, with students, staff, and supporters coming together to celebrate talent, hard work, and dedication. The event, held over two action-packed days across three campuses—UTC, EMCC, and the Cross Arena in Bangor—showcased the incredible skills of our WRVC students who competed in a variety of industry skills-based challenging categories.
The festivities kicked off with a high-energy Opening Ceremony that included a memorable performance of the National Anthem by WRVC’s very own Cosmetology student, Lorelai N. Her beautiful rendition set the tone for the dynamic event that lay ahead. The competitors, many of whom had spent months preparing, demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the competition. Some students even left the hotel at 5:45 AM to set up for their 6:15 AM start time, with some competitions lasting up to 4 hours and more!
Our 13 competitors— were all winners from the start. Baxter C., Monica F., Nathan H., Connor K., Jackson L., Annabella M., G. M., Brady P., Josh P., Lily R., Olesya R., Madison Y., and Edyth Z.
Six of our students earned medals, including two golds: Lily R. (Tech II Early Childhood Occupations Education) and Jackson L. (Building Trades Tech I); two silvers: G. M. (Cosmetology Tech II) and Monica F. (Culinary Arts Tech II); and two bronzes: Olesya R. (Culinary Arts Tech II) and Edyth Z. (Cosmetology Tech II).
Super helpers & beyond: Natalie C., Madison O., and Lorelai N. (Singer & cosmetology model)
Super hero advisor: Mrs. Bruns who has been the WRVC SkillsUSA Advisor for 31 straight years!!! Mrs. Bruns' attention to detail and true passion for supporting and elevating our student experience at this event is unmatched. Please help us celebrate this phenomenal educator and advisor!
Super chaperones/skill competition advisors: Ms. DeCosta- Nail Competition Advisor/Chaperone, Mr. Henry- HEO Competition Setup Advisor/Chaperone, Mr. Anestis, Mr. Waldren, and Mrs. Noyes- Everything & Anything Chaperones!
Super humans/transportation supporters: Sandra Bearor- bus driver extraordinaire who spent two full days in Bangor driving all of us to all of the campuses, helping us get items we may have forgotten and delivering them with a smile, and attending both ceremonies to celebrate our students! You are a superhuman, Ms. Bearor! Thank you ever so much! Also, Joe Salisbury, rocked the staff van ride with his friendly and joyful energy to and from Bangor! We appreciate you, Mr. S.!
The dedication of WRVC's staff deserves special recognition, as well. Our instructors traveled early in the morning to Bangor, to support and cheer on our students! They also used this opportunity to deepen their understanding of the SkillsUSA competitions to further enhance their curriculum as their professional development learning day. The time and effort given by the staff was deeply appreciated by the WSD and WRVC administrative team and our participants/student volunteers... their presence was a gift that made a lasting impact.
As the competition came to a close, the vibrant energy continued during the Closing Ceremony, where music filled the air, students and staff danced, and the spirit of celebration was palpable. The event was a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill of WRVC’s competitors, helpers, and supporters.
Congratulations to all participants, and thank you to the WRVC school community for making this event such a success! We are all so proud of our AMAZING students! 
