New Mexico Junior College SkillsUSA students brought home several national honors at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Among this year's accomplishments, Cyna Centeno was elected as the 2026–2027 SkillsUSA College/Postsecondary National Officer Vice President. Alejandro Guerrero, America Valdiviez, and Blain Shirley earned second place in the Community Service College/Postsecondary competition, and Eduardo Toruno earned second place in Medical Terminology College/Postsecondary. In addition, America Valdiviez was elected to serve on the 2026–2027 SkillsUSA New Mexico State Officer Team.

The National Leadership & Skills Conference is the largest event of its kind, bringing together more than 19,000 students, instructors, industry partners, administrators, government officials, and supporters from across the United States. More than 7,000 state champions compete in 115 leadership and skilled trade competitions each year.

The NMJC SkillsUSA chapter would like to thank everyone who helped make this opportunity possible. The support of local businesses, families, and community members allowed students to travel to nationals and represent NMJC on the national stage.

A special thank you to Lea County State Bank, Jerry and Tracey Bullock of Jerbs Jewelry, Lea County Roadside, John and Andrea McDaniels, Stout & Stout Lawyers, LLP,

OMG Printing, Inc., Luanne North and Summer Wright with Edward Jones, and the chapter's anonymous donors for their generous support.

The chapter would also like to recognize the community organizations that partnered with students throughout the year on their service projects. Thank you to Sheri's House of Hope, Options, Inc., Heart's Desire, Isaiah's Kitchen, the Hobbs Animal Shelter, Wreaths Across America, the City of Hobbs, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way for giving our students the opportunity to serve the community and make a difference.

NMJC congratulates all its SkillsUSA students on their outstanding achievements and thanks the faculty, community partners, and supporters who continue to invest in the success of the next generation of skilled professionals.

About: New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) is a leading educational institution committed to providing success through learning and high-quality education to its diverse student body. Founded in 1965, NMJC offers a wide range of academic programs, certifications, and services to empower students to achieve their educational and career goals.

Contact: Valerie Onsurez Gauna, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, New Mexico Junior College, 575-492-2780, vgauna@nmjc.edu or Emilee Jarrett, Media Production Coordinator, ejarrett@nmjc.edu, 575.492.2930