The Clifford H. “Ted” Rees Jr. Scholarship Foundation has awarded scholarships to 56 students who competed in the HVAC and refrigeration category at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

Gold, silver and bronze winners in the secondary and postsecondary categories qualified for $2,000, $1,000 and $750 scholarships, respectively. All other competitors received $500 scholarships.

This year’s gold medalists were Joshua Haley, of Partlow, Virginia, in the secondary category; and Ryan Gallagher, of Big Rapids, Michigan, in the postsecondary category. This year’s silver medalists were Nathan Zabrecky, of Bardstown, Kentucky, in the secondary category; and Peyton Sutton, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, in the postsecondary category. This year’s bronze medalists were Hoyt Brown, of Valhermoso Springs, Alabama, in the secondary category; and Randy Schunk, of Willmar, Minnesota, in the postsecondary category.

“These students already won statewide competitions, and by competing in the national conference, they’ve qualified for a scholarship commensurate with their achievement level to help them pursue careers in our industry,” said Stephen Yurek, president and CEO of the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute. “We wish them success as they continue their education.”

Since its founding in 2003, the Rees Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $440,000 in scholarships to more than 250 students and instructors. For a full list of this year’s recipients, visit the foundation’s website.