Michigan-Focused Pin Design Earns Top Spot at National Conference
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – A set of mittens, a large suspension bridge, colorful vistas and an American Robin.
These are the concepts student Emma Wilhelm pulled together for a pin design that won her a first-place gold medal at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.
Wilhelm, a Greenspire High School senior, attends the Graphic Arts program at Northwest Education Services (North Ed) Career Tech. As a junior, during the 2024-25 academic year, she earned a spot at the national conference in the Pin Design contest, which calls on competitors to design a Michigan trading pin concept using original artwork. They then present their designs in a professional manner, showcasing design inspiration and how it delivers on the objective.
“The prompt was to design a pin that represents your state,” Wilhelm said. “It was pretty monumental. It brought me out of my shell. Doing the work and doing the project and being proud of the project is one of my favorite parts. Graphic Arts was a great experience for me all around this year.”
After competing at the SkillsUSA Michigan State Leadership Conference, Wilhelm went on to win the national competition held in June in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Emma’s talent is remarkable, especially given her visual impairment,” said Graphic Arts instructor Rebecca Kinnee. “She’s quick, detail-oriented, and deeply thoughtful in her work. Collaborating with her on revisions for her pin design was a joy—she took feedback with grace and maturity, using it to solve design challenges with clarity and intention. Her precision and ability to elevate each project made her work truly shine.”
As part of her research, Emma surveyed more than 100 Michiganders who said the mitten is one of Michigan’s most iconic symbols. Front and center of Wilhelm’s pin design are mittens in the shape of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula hanging on a clothesline, with colorful scenery in the background that highlights the state’s four seasons. The design incorporates Michigan’s state bird, the American Robin, along with other features that depict the Great Lakes State, such as the Mackinac Bridge and Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Emma also created a specialty pin featuring a robin with two Michigan-shaped mittens and the initials MI.
“We are incredibly proud of Emma’s accomplishment and for representing our school and state at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference,” said Pat Lamb, assistant superintendent of Career and Technical Education at North Ed. “With Emma coming back to Graphic Arts again this year, we are excited to see what she can achieve as a senior.”
Emma’s portfolio in the class includes designing Career Tech’s 2025 Cool Tech Camp logo, stickers for Cherry Capitol Comic Con and geocache stickers for Grand Traverse Parks and Recreation.
“Emma brings a quiet strength that sets her apart,” Kinnee said. “While she may not seek the spotlight or thrive on the social aspects of leadership, her dedication, thoughtfulness, and integrity speak louder than words. She leads by example—through consistency, creativity, and staying true to herself. Her difference isn’t just noticeable—it’s deeply meaningful, and it’s what makes her truly exceptional.”
As the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce, SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference brings together more than 19,000 attendees, with more than 6,500 students competing for national gold, silver and bronze medals in 114 skills and leadership competitions. For more information, visit www.SkillsUSA.org.
North Ed Career Tech, located at 880 Parsons Road in Traverse City, offers more than 20 programs to high school juniors and seniors from North Ed’s five-county service area: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau.
In Career Tech’s Graphic Arts program, students explore the print and design industry through drawing, typography, photography, graphic design, illustration and animation. Students learn skills in a studio setting and print lab that provides hands-on workspace to generate products like T-shirts and stickers.
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