Meet the Challengers: The Final Teams Competing in the Make48 Challenge at SkillsUSA

Last week, Make48 highlighted the powerhouse Georgia teams preparing to defend their home turf. But the competition in Atlanta this June isn't just a local affair. Making the journey from the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest, and across the ocean from the Hawaiian Islands, three more elite teams are arriving with their eyes on the prize.

These teams have earned their place on the national stage, bringing a diverse range of skills and a shared passion for STEAM learning. Whether they’ve been sharpening their skills in the classroom or excelling in regional innovation challenges, they are all ready to turn their opportunity into a potential national title. Here are the final three teams rounding out this year's incredible field...

"Challenge Accepted" –

Career & Technology Center @ Fort Osage (Missouri)

Hailing from Independence, Missouri, this team’s name says it all. Under the mentorship of instructor Randy Ledbetter, students Silas Jones and Garrett Gearhart are bringing that Midwest determination to the national stage.

The Fort Osage CTC is known for producing students who are "workforce ready," but the Make48 competition adds a layer of creative pressure that these two are eager to meet. They’ve spent the year sharpening their fabrication skills and learning to think like entrepreneurs. When the clock starts in Atlanta, you can bet that for Silas and Garrett, every hurdle is just another challenge to be accepted.

"The Waveriders" –

Kealakehe High School (Hawaii)

Making the longest journey of all, the Waveriders are traveling from the Big Island to showcase the innovation of the Pacific. Led by teacher Chris Ibarra, the team consisting of Avalon Loudon, Victor King, and Alohilani Riklon brings a unique perspective to the competition floor.

Representing Kealakehe High, this team is prepared to blend craftsmanship with modern technology, showing that great ideas can emerge from even the most remote corners of the globe. They aren't just here to compete; they’re here to represent the "Aloha Spirit" through the power of invention.

"Smarts and Sparks" –

Oak Harbor High School (Washington)

Coming from the scenic shores of Whidbey Island, the Smarts and Sparks team from Oak Harbor High School is a formidable force of four. Students Julianne (Lux) Eby, Joel Christopherson, Malaina Yargo, and Ivan Perez earned their spot through a high-energy Make48 Innovation Experience.

With instructor Chris Whiteman serving as their onsite support and "Team Captain," this crew is built on synergy. They earned their "Golden Ticket" by proving they could communicate effectively and prototype rapidly. They bring the "Smarts" (strategic planning) and the "Sparks" (creative execution) necessary to navigate the grueling 48-hour sprint in Atlanta.

The Stage is Set

From the bluffs of Missouri to the coast of Washington and the shores of Hawaii, the diversity of talent at this year’s SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference is unprecedented. These students aren't just competing for a trophy – they are showcasing the future of American manufacturing, engineering, and design.

We’ll see you in Atlanta on June 2nd! Who are you rooting for?