Dixie Tech Students Bring Home Gold at SkillsUSA Nationals – The Independent

Dixie Technical College’s Digital Design program has something big to celebrate. Three of its students brought home gold medals from the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia—a sweep that marks the program’s triumphant return to national competition.

This year’s national champs include:

• Taylor Walker & Gavin Thayn – Gold, Postsecondary Digital Cinema Production (Team)
• Kaylee Zaccardi – Gold, T-Shirt Design

SkillsUSA is a national organization that works with educators and industry leaders to build a skilled workforce through hands-on career and technical education. Representing more than 442,000 members across the country, the organization hosts annual competitions in over 130 skilled and technical categories. Dixie Tech’s three digital design entrants—two college-level and one high school student—all claimed top honors.

“This was an incredibly proud moment,” said Digital Design Instructor Noah Burt. “Their success speaks not only to their work ethic and creative ability, but also to a program built around practical skills, professional tools, and creative problem-solving.”

For student Gavin Thayn, the event was more than just a competition: “It was an experience that brought me closer to my goals—just being around the people there pushed me to grow.”

The Digital Design program at Dixie Tech is built for real-world impact. Students gain practical experience using professional tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, web builders, and digital advertising platforms. The curriculum spans graphic design, branding, video production, photography, UI/UX, and digital marketing.

Through the SkillsUSA Framework, students also develop communication, leadership, and technical skills in a team-driven environment. These competitions challenge students to rise to the occasion—and sometimes, surprise themselves.

“I was shocked to see that a small opportunity I almost passed up became a stepping stone I’ll never forget,” said Gold Medalist Taylor Walker.

About Dixie Technical College

Located in St. George, Dixie Tech offers over 25 accredited, skills-based programs across healthcare, construction, culinary, computer technologies, and more. Their mission: to give students the tools to build meaningful careers, strengthen their communities, and support their families. Learn more at dixietech.edu.