Allie Breese, Adien Briggs, Chloe Estel, Victoria Pratt
Owosso, MI – The Auto Diesel Institute of Michigan (ADI), a division of Baker College, celebrates the success of its first-ever SkillsUSA competition team. Competing at the 2025 SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in Grand Rapids, this inaugural team made a strong debut with four students advancing to the state level — and two earning podium finishes.
SkillsUSA is a national organization that empowers students to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible citizens. Through career and technical competitions, SkillsUSA helps students showcase their skills, build confidence, and connect with employers — all while promoting excellence in workforce training. The annual competitions span a wide range of skilled trades, from automotive and diesel technology to health sciences, construction, and beyond.
ADI’s first season began with six students competing at the regional level, four of whom advanced to the state finals.
Allie Breese, a Diesel Service Technology student from Grand Rapids,MI, earned 1st place in the regional Diesel Equipment Service Technology competition and won 2nd place at the state level. She summed up her journey with a simple but powerful caption: “She wanted to, so she did.”
Aiden Briggs, an Automotive Service Technology student from Corunna, MI placed 2nd in the State Automotive Service Technology competition. His advice to future competitors is: “Don’t let the pressure ruin your fun. Enjoy the experience.”
Chloe Estel of Hillsdale, MI competed in the State Automotive Service Technology event, as well. She encouraged others to participate by saying, “Don’t be scared — it was actually pretty fun.” Chloe discovered her love for automotive repair in a small engine class. Today, she’s pursuing her Auto Service Technology Certificate at ADI and continuing to build on her early passion with hands-on experience.
Victoria Pratt, a student in ADI’s Diesel Service Technology associate degree program, served as the team captain and showed exceptional leadership and sportsmanship. When ADI learned it could only send three Diesel students to the Regional level, Victoria voluntarily switched categories and chose to compete in the Automotive Service Technology division so her teammates could all participate. That selfless decision led to Victoria winning 1st Place in the Automotive Service Technology competition at the SkillsUSA State level, earning the honor of representing the entire state of Michigan at the SkillsUSA National Competition in Atlanta this June.
In just their first year, the ADI SkillsUSA team has shown what’s possible when skill, drive, and excellent instruction meet. It’s a testament to both the students and the incredible instructors who coached and guided them throughout the season.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more at Baker.edu, and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.
The Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan, located on the Baker College Owosso campus has a 43,000-square-foot facility packed with the same cutting-edge tools and diagnostic equipment used in today’s top shops. Learn directly from ASE-Certified Master Technicians who bring real-world experience and industry insight into every lesson—helping students excel in a world of ever-evolving vehicle technology.