Ohio Hi-Point Career Center graduate Richiona Burnell won Gold at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Burnell, a 2026 OHP Cosmetology graduate, placed first in the nation in the Prepared Speech competition, which challenges students to write and deliver a speech based on SkillsUSA’s annual theme.
The SkillsUSA Leadership took place from June 1-5, 2026, and brought together thousands of career-technical education students from across the country to compete in trade, technical and leadership events.
“Richiona represented Ohio Hi-Point with confidence, professionalism and pride,” Ginger Shellenberger, OHP Cosmetology Instructor said. “Prepared Speech takes strong communication skills, poise and a lot of preparation. She worked hard for this moment, and we are incredibly proud of her.”
Ohio Hi-Point Superintendent Brad Richardson said Burnell’s achievement reflects the district’s mission of preparing students for success after graduation.
“We’re incredibly proud of Richiona and her accomplishments at the National SkillsUSA Leadership Conference,” Richardson said. “Her success reflects the career and leadership skills students build through career-technical education.”
SkillsUSA is a national career and technical student organization that helps students develop personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics.
Burnell graduated from Ohio Hi-Point’s Cosmetology program in 2026. Her partner district is Bellefontaine High School.