The GCAMP 2026 Outstanding Manufacturing Student Awards celebrate more than technical skill—they recognize perseverance, leadership, and a deep commitment to building the future of manufacturing.
This year’s program showcased an extraordinary group of students whose achievements demonstrate the strength and promise of our regional talent pipeline. From high school labs to college classrooms and real-world shop floors, each applicant represents the innovation, precision, and work ethic that define modern manufacturing.
This year’s top honor goes to Ava Unold, a senior at West Aurora High School and GCAMP’s first-ever female Outstanding Manufacturing Student winner. Ava has distinguished herself at every level of competition. She placed 4th in the State of Illinois for CNC 3-Axis Operating Technician and went on to place 23rd at Nationals—the first female from her club to achieve that distinction. Her SkillsUSA team also earned 3rd place nationally in 2025, the first team from her school ever to podium at that level. Beyond competition, Ava serves as Co-President of the Weisner Center’s after-school Welding, Machining, and Manufacturing Club and Vice President of her school’s SkillsUSA chapter. She interns at a local machine shop and plans to attend Waubonsee Community College to pursue an Associate degree in Computer Aided Design and Drafting. Reflecting on her journey, Ava shared that learning to push doubt aside and deliver for her team transformed her confidence. Her instructor describes her as a role model whose work ethic and intellectual integrity elevate everyone around her.
The strength of this year’s finalists is equally impressive.
Devon, a Joliet Junior College student working at Panduit, is pursuing a double major in Electrical and Electronic Automated Systems and Industrial Maintenance Technology. She recently completed a complex network installation project under challenging conditions—solving problems along the way and finishing ahead of schedule. Her goal is to become the go-to expert for rare and complex equipment.
Dominic, a Grant Community High School student and second-year Welding and Fabrication student at Lake County Tech Campus, balances coursework with part-time fabrication work at Knoll Steel. An AWS D1.1 certified welder, he plans to attend welding school and build a lifelong career in fabrication. His instructors praise his leadership, blueprint-reading precision, and professionalism.
Henry, from Alden-Hebron and Lake County Tech Campus, works at Scot Forge and holds a D1.1 1G certification, with plans to earn his 3G. He has rebuilt an engine from a long block and speaks passionately about the precision manufacturing demands. Whether following his father into welding or advancing within Scot Forge, Henry is committed to hands-on excellence.
Jose, also from West Aurora, has competed at both state and national levels in CNC Programming, placing 19th nationally. As President of SkillsUSA and Co-President of the Weisner shop, he combines leadership with technical talent. He interns at Smith and Richardson and plans to pursue engineering while continuing to work in the field.
Niesha, an apprentice at College of DuPage working at Ferrero, returned to school at age forty to enter manufacturing. Her persistence and positivity set her apart, and she plans to specialize in complex systems involving PLCs and industrial environments.
Olamide, a University of Illinois Chicago student and ASME officer, has hands-on experience in CAD modeling, fabrication, and electro-mechanical integration. From helping build an automated pinball machine to bridging design and production, he exemplifies engineering excellence grounded in real-world application.
Together, these students reflect the diverse pathways into manufacturing—high school, apprenticeships, community college, and university engineering programs. The GCAMP 2026 Outstanding Manufacturing Student Awards honor not only individual achievement but the collective momentum of a new generation ready to design, build, innovate, and lead.
