LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Hundreds of students filled Apollo Career Center on Friday, showcasing their talents across a wide range of skill areas.
Apollo hosted the 2025-26 SkillsUSA Ohio Northwest Regional competitions. 66 Apollo students were among approximately 500 students from 20 career and technical centers who competed. A total of 33 skilled contests took place, ranging from construction and welding to cosmetology.
The competitions gave students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in technical, leadership and employability skill areas, providing real-world settings to apply what they have learned in the classroom.
The competitions gave students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in technical, leadership and employability skill areas.
"The students that are participating today are participating in hands-on competitions, which is a lot different than what they would get a traditional home school," says Toby Prinsen, Assistant Principal, Apollo Career Center.
Several competing students spoke about how the event prepares them for whatever the future may bring.
"If I'm here today, I think I have more confidence in knowing that I can do more than just being here. I want to go to Disney's culinary program in Orlando, Florida, and eventually work as a cast member and work at one of Disney's restaurants," says Ellie Iiams who is competing in culinary arts.
"This has helped me prepare for later on in life because I got accepted in ONU, and I plan on going there for mechanical engineering, so this is just good practice on how to practice on what real life is going to be like and how to prepare myself for a future career," says Leah Johnson who is competing in advanced manufacturing.
Students who place in the top four in each contest will advance to the state championship in May for a chance to qualify for nationals in June.
Friday’s results can be found with this story at https://www.youtube.com/live/A5B6CVrJc8M.
