Cold temperatures Jan. 22 prompted a delayed start for the SkillsUSA Council District 11 Championships.

But Lehigh Career and Technical Institute’s students wasted no time turning up the heat on their competitors at the Allentown Fairgrounds’ Agri-Plex.

LCTI students notched 21 medals with prowess that impressed judges and wowed spectators who turned out for the 39th annual event.

Gold medalists, including 11 from LCTI, qualified to compete at the SkillsUSA state competition in Hershey April 2-4.

The championships drew hundreds of participants from seven schools across five counties.

Students competed in individual and team contests of skill ranging from advertising design to welding.

Dozens of Lehigh Valley businesses sponsor the competition, which provides opportunities for students to apply what they’ve learned in challenging scenarios that mimic the demands of a workplace.

The medalists for each SkillsUSA contest were announced during a ceremony at Parkland High School later that day.

Emmaus High School students earned a total of eight medals. EHS top finishers include:

•Second place: Nesly Alacron, Culinary Arts, Culinary Arts

•First place: Brynn Clark, Cosmetology, Cosmetology

•Second place: Austin Derr, Electrical Construction Wiring, Electrical Technology

•First place: Jose Figueroa, Automotive Refinishing Technology, Auto Collision Repair Technology

•First place: Brooklyn Hause, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Education

•First place: James Leap, Crime Scene Investigation — Team Criminal Justice

•Second place: Isabella Marrucca-Kodis, First Aid/CPR Health & Medical Sciences

•Second place: Zachary O’Steen, Criminal Justice — Team Criminal Justice