Owensboro Community and Technical College

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OCTC Hosts Trade Wars 2026 Healthcare Careers Competition, Showcasing Regional Student Talent

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (04/22/2026) — Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) welcomed 86 high school students from across the region for the Trade Wars 2026: Healthcare Careers competition on April 17, highlighting the next generation of healthcare professionals through hands-on, real-world challenges.

Students competed in a variety of healthcare-focused events, including Nursing, Radiography, Surgical Technology, Veterinary Technology, and HealthForce Kentucky competitions. New to this year's event were the Surgical Technology and HealthForce Kentucky competitions, expanding opportunities for students to explore high-demand healthcare career pathways.

Participating schools included Owensboro High School, Trinity High School, BreckinridgeCounty High School, Daviess County High School, as well as a group of homeschooled students. OCTC also recognized Owensboro Innovation Academy as a key partner, registering the largest number of student participants across Trade Wars events.

"Trade Wars provides students with an opportunity to step into real-world scenarios and experience the skills required in today's healthcare workforce," said Dr. Scott Williams, President of OCTC. "We are proud to partner with our regional schools and industry leaders to create meaningful, hands-on experiences that inspire students and connect them to rewarding careers.

2026 Healthcare Careers Competition Winners

HealthForce Kentucky

Head Rush Relay

Karley Davis and Layla Barnes, Owensboro High School

Race to the Finish

Elli DeHaven and Kenley Rhodes, Breckinridge County High School

Nursing

PPE & Vital Signs Competition

Karlea Pike, Brady Stevenson, Josie Mitcham, and Tyler Davis, Breckinridge County High School

Radiography - CSI: Over My Dead Body

3rd Place: Jessica Garcia and Perla Gaspar, Owensboro High School

2nd Place: Lanee Roach and Claire Tate, Breckinridge County High School

1st Place: Annie Coomes and Ella McManaway, Trinity High School

Surgical Technology - Giant Operation Competition

Zoe Greenwell, Ella Drane, and Kash Hampton, Breckinridge County High School

Veterinary Technology - Rescue Paws Academy

"The Dawgs" - Hadley Lucas, Caleb Kannapel, and Megan Bland, Breckinridge County High School

Notably, "The Dawgs" achieved a perfect score, marking the first time in the history of the Veterinary Technology competition that a team has earned a flawless performance.

Students competed for the title of Trade Wars Champion, earning medals, career-related prizes, and championship banners for their schools. The event continues to grow as a premier regional showcase for technical education, connecting students with in-demand career pathways and local industry partners.

OCTC extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose generous support makes Trade Wars possible and allows students to participate at no cost. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor IBEW-NECA Electrical Training Alliance, T-Shirt Sponsor JATC, Technical Programs Sponsor Four Seasons Heating & Cooling, Inc., and Healthcare Programs Sponsor RiverValley Behavioral Health.

The success of Trade Wars 2026 reflects the strong collaboration between OCTC, regional school systems, and industry partners, all working together to build the future workforce in Western Kentucky.

For more information about Trade Wars or future events, please contact Bernie.hale@kctcs.edu.

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