Right Where
You Belong

McDowell Technical Community College is proud to celebrate Carter Wyatt and Kevin Rodriguez Ramirez on their Silver Medal achievement at the SkillsUSA National Robotics: Urban Search and Rescue Competition.

Competing at the national level for the very first time, Carter and Kevin represented McDowell Tech and the state of North Carolina in the postsecondary division — and they delivered a historic result. Facing veteran schools and experienced teams from across the country and U.S. territories, they placed second in the nation.

The Urban Search and Rescue competition challenges students to design, build, operate, and troubleshoot a mobile robot modeled after those used by emergency service personnel, including fire, police, and military teams. Competitors must complete tasks involving locating, moving, neutralizing, and disposing of simulated explosive materials — requiring strength in mechanical design, electrical systems, robotics, troubleshooting, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Carter and Kevin brought all of that, and more. Their performance reflected not only technical excellence but also professionalism, clear communication, careful preparation, and a determination that represented our college at its best.

This achievement speaks to the quality of our students, the strength of our programs, and the dedication of faculty and staff who support them every step of the way.

Special thanks go to the McDowell Tech Foundation for the Mini-Grant Funding that covered start-up costs, and to the MTCC Robotics Club and Advisor Jamie Hill for their expertise, guidance, and commitment that made participation possible.

Congratulations, Carter and Kevin — McDowell Tech, our community, and North Carolina are proud of you.