Skills USA had another great year at CKHS. Skills USA is a team of students organized by teachers James Adamson and Alexander Booth, dedicated to training students to be technical leaders in the future.  Headed by senior president Madison Largey, this year they excelled more than any other Skills USA team. The team was so successful that roughly 20-30 members will be returning to Nationals for the second time.  That is the largest returning class of all time.

The group meets every Thursday in James Adamson’s room and everyone admitted in a CTE (career technical education) class is welcome to join.  The team attended State from March 31st- April 2nd where they competed in their individual events such as Web Design, Computer Programming,

and Interactive Application & Game Development (IAGD).  CK students got first place as State Champs in both Computer Programming and IAGD.

Over the summer the team will attend the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville Kentucky, from June 20-24.  Here the best of the best will assemble to participate in a showcase of career and technical education. More than 16,000 people; including students, teachers and business partners are expected to participate in the week long event. The Championships will be held on the Wednesday and Thursday of that week with more than 6,000 students (all state winners) competing  hands

-on in 100 different trade, technical and leadership fields. Contests are run with the help of industry, trade associations and labor organizations, and test competencies are set by industry.  Leadership contestants will demonstrate skills, including extemporaneous speaking and conducting meetings by parliamentary procedure.

The organization not only benefits the reputation of the school and the people involved, it also gives opportunity to many other careers for each individual member.  It supplies them with the skills necessary to excel and prosper in the work field.  “I used skills and experiences from Skills USA when I was writing my common app. essay, interviewing for internships, and applying for scholarships; I am incredibly grateful for the doors it has opened for me” said Largey.  Another senior member, Curtis Holden feels the same way and loves what Skills USA has done for him.  He states, “Skills USA or Champions at work?  This club has greatly increased communications with my peers and provided me with numerous job-oriented skills needed for my future.”

The organization brings together an extraordinary group of students that strive to achieve perfection in the career and technical field.  It has opened many doors for students looking to obtain a job in the field of STEM, and will provide them with lifelong skills.