St. George, UT – Dixie Technical College’s Digital Design program took home three gold
medals at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta,
Georgia—an extraordinary sweep that marked the program’s return to national
competition. The wins highlight the creativity, professionalism, and technical skill of
Dixie Tech students performing at the highest level.
What is SkillsUSA?
SkillsUSA is a national organization that partners with educators and industry to build a
strong workforce through career and technical education. Representing over 442,000
members nationwide, SkillsUSA hosts competitions in more than 130 skilled and
technical categories, showcasing student talent from across the country.
This year, three students represented Dixie Tech’s Digital Design program—two at the
collegiate level and one from high school. All three earned gold:
Taylor Walker & Gavin Thayn – Gold, Postsecondary Digital Cinema Production (Team)
Kaylee Zaccardi – Gold, T-Shirt Design
This was the program’s first time competing at Nationals in several years. The gold
medal sweep reflects the revitalized direction and real-world focus of the Digital Design
program.
“Watching Gavin, Taylor, and Kaylee take gold at Nationals was an incredibly proud
moment,” said Noah Burt, Digital Design Instructor. “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. We’re honored to see them
represent Dixie Tech so well on a national stage.”
Student Gavin Thayn added, “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 gives students hands-on experience with
industry-standard tools—from Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma to modern web builders
and digital advertising platforms. The curriculum spans graphic design, branding, video
production, photography, UI/UX design, and digital marketing—preparing graduates for
immediate creative careers or further study.
Through the SkillsUSA Framework, students develop personal, workplace, and technical
skills that translate directly to professional success. These competitions provide
real-world challenges that build confidence, communication, and leadership in a
team-driven environment.
“I was shocked to see that a small opportunity I almost passed up became a
stepping stone I’ll never forget,” said Taylor Walker, SkillsUSA Gold Medalist.
About Dixie Technical College
Dixie Technical College provides students with training that enables them to master
essential, hands-on skills they can take directly to the workforce, empowering them to
support their families, strengthen the community, and contribute to local industry while
advancing their careers. Dixie Tech offers over 25 accredited hands-on programs in
fields like healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, construction, culinary, and
computer technologies—giving students the skills-based training they need to launch
meaningful careers. Learn more at dixietech.edu.
Media Contact:
JEREMIAH TERRY
435-862-1571
jterry@dixietech.edu
