The Lancaster County School District (LCSD) is celebrating a historic achievement as its students secured the top three positions at the 2025 SkillsUSA Firefighting Statewide Competition.
Caleb Barker of Lancaster High School claimed first place, while Vincenzo “Vinny” Amore and Dylan Effren of Indian Land High School finished in second and third place, respectively. Their victory highlights the strength of LCSD’s Career and Technical Education (CATE) programs, which provide students with real-world skills and industry certifications to prepare them for successful careers.
2025 Winners
1st Place Winner, Caleb Barker, Lancaster High School
2nd Place Vincenzo (Vinny) Amore, Indian Land High School
3rd Place: Dylan Effren, Indian Land High School
“Lancaster County School District is incredibly proud of Caleb Barker, Vincenzo Amore, and Dylan Effren for their outstanding achievement in sweeping the top three positions at the 2025 SkillsUSA Firefighting statewide competition. This unprecedented success reflects the exceptional quality of our Career and Technical Education
programs and the dedication of our students and instructors. Our CATE programs represent a crucial investment in both our students’ futures and our community’s workforce development.” said Melvin Stroble, Chairman of the LCSD Board of Trustees. “Through partnerships with local industry and dedicated instructors like Sam Plyer, we provide students with hands-on, real-world training that leads to immediate career opportunities and industry certifications. The Firefighting program at our Career Center is just one example of how we’re expanding educational pathways beyond traditional academics to ensure every student finds their passion and purpose. These young men have demonstrated not only technical proficiency but also the character and commitment that will serve them throughout their careers as first responders and community leaders. Lancaster County School District remains committed to growing our CATE offerings and continuing to provide diverse, meaningful educational opportunities that prepare all students for success, whether their path leads to college, career, or both.”
SkillsUSA Firefighting Competition: A Test of Excellence
The SkillsUSA Firefighting competition evaluates students on their readiness for firefighting careers through hands-on skill demonstrations and written and oral assessments. Competitors are tested on critical areas such as:
- Fire safety and control
- Use of breathing apparatus
- Ladders, ropes, knots, and hoses
- Ventilation and emergency medical care
- Rescue operations and fire cause evidence protection
Sam Plyler, an instructor at LCSD’s Career Center, played a key role in preparing students for the competition, utilizing strategies such as hands-on training and critical thinking exercises.
State champions will advance to the National SkillsUSA competition, scheduled for June 23-27, 2025. They follow in the footsteps of LCSD alumnus Landyn Fillibin, who won the 2024 National Firefighting Championship.
Empowering Students for Future Careers
The LCSD Career Center provides students with hands-on training opportunities in various fields, enabling them to earn industry certifications before graduation. The firefighting program is one of several initiatives aimed at expanding career pathways beyond traditional academics, ensuring students are well-prepared for the workforce.
“Our CATE programs represent a crucial investment in both our students’ futures and our community’s workforce development,” Stroble added. “Through partnerships with local industry and dedicated instructors, we are equipping students with the skills they need for immediate career opportunities.”
As LCSD continues to expand its CATE programs, the district remains committed to preparing students for success—whether they choose to pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or do both.
For more information on LCSD’s Career Center programs, visit: LCSD Career Center.
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