MARIETTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Ariela Vega, a junior at the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy, is the 2026 HVAC state champion.
The 16-year-old outperformed competitors from across Georgia in hands-on HVAC knowledge, technical skill and problem-solving. She is also the first girl to ever win the state title.
“I very much wanted to be a motivation to the youth and anyone who is intimidated to go into these male-dominated fields,” Vega said…