POTEAU, OK – At Kiamichi Tech, learning goes far beyond technical skills — it’s about preparing the next generation of HVAC technicians to serve their communities with excellence. That mission came to life this summer when recent graduate Joshua Luke brought home the gold medal in the Customer Service Leadership Contest at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Joshua’s professionalism, communication skills, and dedication to customer service stood out on the national stage, earning him top honors among competitors from across the country. But his journey wasn’t one he took alone.

Guiding Joshua every step of the way was his instructor, Steven Crosswell, a Kiamichi Tech alumnus who once competed in the same SkillsUSA contest. Now an instructor, Steven is passionate about passing on not only technical expertise but also the importance of customer-focused service to his students.

“Competing in SkillsUSA taught me so much about serving people well, and now I get to share that with my students,” Steven said. “Watching Joshua grow and succeed has been one of the proudest moments of my career.”

For Joshua, the experience was about more than a medal — it was about building confidence and learning to connect with customers in meaningful ways.

“SkillsUSA pushed me to believe in myself and focus on what matters most,” Joshua shared.

Thanks to leaders like Steven, Kiamichi Tech continues to shape skilled, service-minded professionals ready to make a difference. Joshua’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of training technicians who value people just as much as the work itself.