South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) is thrilled to announce an exciting first for the college, a gold medal for Practical Nursing at the national SkillsUSA competition. Nursing student LeAnn Birchfield represented the best of SLCC as she showcased exceptional skill and expertise, securing this prestigious honor during the competition held in Atlanta, GA from June 19-23. This win also marked SLCC’s debut at the national competition.
"This remarkable achievement highlights South Louisiana Community College's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. We are immensely proud of LeAnn and her remarkable victory. It symbolizes our college's dedication to nurturing talent and preparing our students to be among the best in the country," said Dr. Vincent June, SLCC Chancellor.
The National SkillsUSA competition brought together over 15,000 individuals, including students, instructors, and industry professionals. The participating students had previously emerged victorious at the state-level competitions, ensuring that only the best of the best competed.
"Winning the gold medal at the national level showcases the caliber of our nursing students and reinforces South Louisiana Community College's position as a leader in higher education and workforce training. This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to producing skilled professionals who are capable of excelling in today's competitive job market," explains Toni Celestine, SLCC Career and Testing Services Director.
This is LeAnn Birchfield’s second record-setting performance at SkillsUSA on behalf of SLCC. At the state level, she took home the bronze medal in Medical Terminology, silver in First Aid and CPR, and gold in Practical Nursing. Her performance marked the first time an SLCC student achieved three medals in one competition year. Now, with a national gold medal for Practical Nursing, Birchfield has accomplished another first for SLCC.
“I'm still speechless and shocked after returning from SkillsUSA as a student representing SLCC. This college has changed my life and has given me an opportunity to better my children's lives and achieve my dreams of a college education,” says Birchfield.
LeAnn is active in campus life as well as her community and was one of the recipients of the Spring 2023 One Acadiana Scholarship. She was tapped by the SLCC Foundation to give her moving testimonial at the accompanying Scholarship Reception and at One Acadiana’s 55 by 25 luncheon in May. She continually notes that SLCC has given her the gift of education and she owes part of her success to the SLCC family.
SLCC extends its heartfelt congratulations to LeAnn Birchfield and her Practical Nursing Instructor, Jeanette Simmons, who accompanied Birchfield to the competition and was also awarded a gold medal. Their exceptional performance reaffirms SLCC's commitment to empowering its students and solidifies its position among the country's top educational institutions.