Woodstock-area students earn top spots in career contests

<p><em>Woodstock Community News | Woodstock, GA</em></p><p>Cherokee County School District announced Nov. 12, 2025, that students from Woodstock High School, Woodstock Middle School and other county high schools won top awards at regional Career and Technical Student Organization competitions, with several advancing to state contests. The results highlight hands‑on career pathway programs in construction, healthcare, marketing, education and NJROTC that prepare students for jobs and college.</p><p>Cherokee High School students dominated the AGC Skills Challenge and SkillsUSA events in construction and welding. First-place winners who will advance to state contests include Antonio Lopez Pablo (SkillsUSA Carpentry) and Joseph McPherson (AGC and SkillsUSA Cabinet Making). A welding team, Noe Perez Bautista, Hayden Phillips and Josue Reyes Delgado, placed first in Welding Fabrication; Trace Schall took first in SkillsUSA Welding and second in AGC Welding. Teachers named in the release are Darryl Jones (welding) and Scott O’Bryant and Bobby Wiggins (construction and carpentry).</p><p>Sequoyah High School DECA students scored top finishes at the regional competition. Beatriz Roca earned first place and a perfect score in the Job Interview event. Team Decision Making entries from Abagail Hude and Sebastian Murillo, and Ashley Mitchell and Valentina Murillo placed in the top 10; Sebastian Murillo placed seventh in Hospitality and Tourism testing. DECA adviser Chana Miller also led a chapter workshop on etiquette.</p><p>Etowah and River Ridge students earned honors at the Georgia HOSA Fall Leadership Rally for healthcare career pathways. Winners include Husnah Abdul‑Majeed (Etowah, first place Digital Brochure) and several students who received the Georgia HOSA Statesman Award: Kaiden Cribbs (Etowah), and Gracie Lovelace, Abigail Nagel and Tanvi Vallamsetty (River Ridge). Teachers listed are Megan King and Skye Raimondi (Etowah) and Callie Davis (River Ridge).</p><p>River Ridge High School students Carson Hahn, Isabelle Harris and Marlee Peppers placed third in the Knowledge Bowl at Future Georgia Educators Day and will advance to the state contest; their teacher is Erin Heinzer. Woodstock High School and Woodstock Middle School NJROTC students also placed in regional orienteering: Maggie Hawkins (Woodstock HS) second on the orange course; Noah Craddock (Woodstock HS) fourth on the yellow course; Carter Amosa (Woodstock MS) first on the white course; and Layne Stone (Woodstock MS) third on the white course. NJROTC instructors are Capt. (Ret.) Mike MacNicholl and Gunnery Sgt. (Ret.) Keith Myrick.</p><p>The district release praised student achievement and credited Career and Technical Student Organizations for extending classroom learning through competitions, conferences and service. The announcement did not provide dates for the upcoming state contests or contact details for event information.</p>