HAYS, KS – [3/26/26 — Fort Hays Tech | North Central is proud to announce outstanding achievements by students in its Automotive Service Technology program at the annual SkillsUSA Kansas State Leadership and Skills Conference.

Second-year Automotive students Marissa Reever and Laike Imm represented the Hays campus in the Automotive Service Technology competition, which featured 28 competitors from across the state. Reever earned a Gold Medal and First Place finish, while Imm secured a Bronze Medal and Third Place finish.

This victory marks a historic moment for the program. Reever becomes the first female student in Fort Hays Tech | North Central history to win Gold in Automotive Service Technology, and the program’s first Gold Medalist in 15 years. The last student to achieve this honor was current instructor Mark MacConnell, making this accomplishment especially meaningful.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for Marissa,” said Richard Cox, Department Chair of Automotive Service Technology. “She worked extremely hard this year, constantly challenging herself to be the best. We are incredibly proud of both Marissa and Lake for their dedication and commitment to excellence.”

Both students showed significant growth from the previous year’s competition. In 2025, Reever earned a Silver Medal, and Imm placed in the top 10. Their determination to improve led to this year’s breakthrough performances, with Imm making an impressive leap from 10th place to the podium.

With her first-place finish, Reever has qualified to compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, where she will represent the state of Kansas and Fort Hays Tech | North Central on the national stage.

“This is an incredible achievement for our students and our program,” said Fort Hays Tech | North Central President Eric Burks. “Marissa and Laike exemplify the talent and determination we strive to develop every day, and we’re excited to see Marissa represent Kansas and our college in Atlanta. We’re also proud of Richard Cox, Mark MacConnell, and Bret Pfannenstiel for their dedication and the role they’ve played in supporting these students’ success.”

Participation at the national level comes with significant costs, including travel, lodging, registration, and transportation expenses. The program is working to raise approximately $5,000 to support Reever’s trip to nationals.

Community members and industry partners who wish to support Reever and the Automotive Service Technology program contact the instructor, Richard Cox:

Richard Cox
Automotive Technology Instructor & Dept. Chair
rcox@fhtechnc.edu
785-625-0707

The Automotive Service Technology program continues to demonstrate excellence in hands-on training and student achievement, preparing graduates for successful careers in the automotive industry.

For more information about SkillsUSA or Fort Hays Tech | North Central, please visit www.fhtechnc.edu or contact remerson@fhtechnc.edu.