June 11, 2026 — For the first time in SkillsUSA Championships history, a female student has won first place in the national HVAC competition.
Ariela Vega, a rising senior at Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA), competed against high school students from across the country and was named the nation's top HVAC competitor, thanks to her knowledge and skills. .
This accomplishment comes just a few months after Ariela became the first female to ever be crowned State Champion at SkillsUSA Georgia.
With SkillsUSA Championships records dating back to 2004, Ariela is now part of the organization's history as the first female national HVAC champion in a traditionally male-dominated trade.
"Becoming the national champion has made me feel immensely rewarded. Knowing that all the hard work I poured into this process paid off is what truly makes this win so special. I’m proud to have made history again, and that I am paving a path for other dedicated young ladies," said Ariela.
With this first-place finish, Ariela also becomes the first-ever student at CITA to earn a national championship title at the SkillsUSA National Championships.
"So Proud. The amount of time and effort she put in was truly incredible. To be a part of her journey from Local to Region to State and now National Champion has definitely been the highlight of my career. I couldn't be happier for Ariela," said CITA HVAC teacher John Martin.
Located on the Osborne High School campus, CITA gives students the opportunity to learn trade skills to prepare them for life after graduation.
This unique facility, funded through Ed-SPLOST, offers everything from automotive to carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, welding, and electrical work.
To learn more about CITA and all that Cobb Schools offers students, click HERE.
Additionally, a second CITA campus will open on the Allatoona High School campus in August, expanding career and hands-on learning opportunities for Cobb students beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
