Kelley to go for 2nd gold at Skillsusa Nationals
BILLERICA >> It’s not often a sophomore wins gold at the Skillsusa National competition, but Cole Kelley did, and he is not your typical student.
Kelley took home the gold medal in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) competition last summer at the 2022 Skillsusa National Competition; he had just finished his sophomore year of high school. Now nearing the end of his junior year, Cole is determined to defend his title after qualifying to compete, yet again, at the Skillsusa National Competition.
Cole took his first step towards repeating his big national win, after earning a gold medal at the Skillsusa District competition in March. He and 40 classmates advanced to the state competition (anyone earning a bronze, silver, or gold medal), which was held over three days in April. At the state competition, Cole placed first out of all his competitors, clinching his spot to represent all HVAC-R vocational students in Massachusetts,
on the National stage in June.
Cole is one of eight students from Shawsheen who will be competing at Nationals.
“I’m excited to return again this year,” said Kelley. “It was an exciting experience last year, and since not many sophomores win gold at Nationals, the spotlight shined bright on me. I am also happy to be able to add this prestigious distinction to my resume.”
Kelley’s interest in HVACR has a unique beginning. At the age of 5, he began treatments at Boston Children’s
Hospital for migraines. His visits left a lasting impression, as they are the catalyst for his post-secondary ambitions.
“My plan after high school is to join Pipefitters Local 537 and specialize in pharmaceutical refrigeration,” explains Kelley, who worked this past summer for Dodge Cooling and Heating out of Chelmsford. “I have chronic migraines, so I’ve made many trips to Boston Children’s Hospital, where I witnessed many people get the help they need. I want my career to include that kind of
environment. Hospitals and other medical facilities have unique refrigeration needs, many with life-or-death consequences. I think a career as a pharmaceutical refrigeration technician would merge my personal and professional passions.”
The HVAC-R program at Shawsheen was Kelley’s first choice as an eighthgrader coming into Shawsheen, and the program remained his top choice after participating in the Freshman Exploratory process; it has been a tremendous fit.
“Cole is one of the most dedicated, driven, and intelligent
students I have had the privilege to teach,” said Shawsheen HVAC-R instructor Jim Mcgreevey. “He is eager to learn, and he spends additional hours every day studying advanced concepts. Cole is a well-rounded and thoughtful person who approaches both his instructors and peers in a humble and sincere manner.”
As the school year winds down for most, Kelley’s preparation for the National competition is ramping up. Cole shared, “my biggest opponent is myself,” and he is determined to succeed.
With his sight on the prize, Kelley’s ambitions are high; he hopes to bring home a gold from Nationals and be a two-time consecutive national gold medalist.