Southampton Student Wins Top Spot In State Skills Competition

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A Southampton High School senior who has already made her mark in giving back to the community has won top spot in a state skills competition.

Chloe Phillips, a second-year nursing student at the Eastern Long Island Academy of Applied Technology, earned first place in the certified medical assisting category at the state SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Championships, the district said.

Phillips earned the top spot after taking first place at the regional SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Championships, the district added.

It's not the first time that Phillips has placed in the hands-on competition: As a junior, she earned third place in the nurse assisting category at the state championships after placing in the regional competition, district officials added.

Phillips is also one of only 25 high school students in New York State to be named a nominee for the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

In addition, she is a trained volunteer member of the Southampton Volunteer Ambulance team, as well as an active member of the North Sea Junior Fire Department. With her dedication to giving back, she has assisted with department-sponsored blood drives, drills, the muster, and parades. Her experience has taught her all aspects of basic firefighting, including fire suppression, salvage, ground ladders, first aid and public relations.

Phillips is also a competitive member of her school’s varsity field hockey and softball teams, volunteers as a Little League referee, and is an active member of the Best Buddies and Varsity clubs.

When not volunteering or on the field, she can be found at Riverhead Raceway, racing as a local race car driver.

In the fall, Phillips plans to study nursing in college to become a registered nurse.

"The Southampton school district applauds Phillips on her well-deserved recognition," officials said.