March 24, 2025

Hughson High’s students continued their long domination of the Stanislaus County Occupational Olympics competition earlier this month, claiming the small-schools title for the 13th time in the past 16 years.

The Occupational Olympics allows high school students to showcase the career technical skills that they have learned in their classes. The events offer a hands-on evaluation of their abilities in a fun and competitive manner and recognize the students for their mastery of skills and knowledge in given career areas.

This was the 39th time the Stanislaus County Office of Education has organized the Occupational Olympics. Hughson’s 41 entrants were among more than 1,000 high school students who competed in 16 events such as agriculture, business, home economics, industrial technology/engineering, arts, media and entertainment. The event was held March 13 at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.

Hughson’s top individual finishers both took third place in their events -- Gary Coldicutt in agriculture equipment technology and Jack Faulkner in small engine technology.

Other Hughson students finishing in the top eight in their specialties were Ethan Larson (fifth, ag equipment technology), Isaiah Lundquist (fifth, welding), JC Lupercio (sixth, job seeking skills), Sophia Spears (sixth, job seeking skills), Giovanni Chavez (eighth, ag equipment technology) and Gracie Hammond (eighth, job seeking skills).

Hughson ag teacher Kelly Larson said the school’s legacy of achievement in the Occupational Olympics is a testament to the work and preparation done by the students and the quality of their education.

“Hughson is successful at Occupational Olympics because we show up not only in the number of students, but also with our kids having the skill level to be competitive in their respective contest area,” Larson said. “The students are dedicated to being successful and the teachers have made sure the students are prepared to succeed.”

Principal Loren Lighthall said everyone shares in the school’s winning tradition.\ “We have great advisors and dedicated students that take pride in achieving their best and wining competitions,” he said. “This is a great event because the competitions are so diverse and show how well-rounded our kids are. I’m very proud to be the principal of these great students.”

The event also included a career exposition in which the students could meet and talk with 49 potential employers.

Turlock High finished first among large schools.