Before the beginning of spring break, the Skills USA club participated in a state-level competition returning with many accolades. Skills USA is a career and technical student organization that focuses on building technical and skilled services for students.

National competitions are held in Leesburg, Virginia. Each state composes its organization to hold competitions at the state level. Then, every high school has a local wing under the state organization. Students train in the first semester to prepare for this event, and they would end up returning home with over 20 medals.

Ashley Christman is a junior and has been doing Skills USA for two years, previously competing in competitions such as 3D modeling, Quizbowl extemporaneous speaking, and Information Technology Services. She is the president of the school’s Skills USA chapter and during her time as president, she knows well the pressure put on her, but she is also aware of the dedication all of her subordinates have to this club.

“It was a little more stressful for me,” Christman said, “but that’s because I’m president after make sure everything’s organized.”

Christman would end the competition with a free certification for Information Technology Services and was elected state officer.

“We’re all exhausted,’ Christman said, “But I think we were all just really proud of ourselves and happy with how everything turned out and enjoy the experience a lot.”

This dedication to their craft is represented in Skills USA member, Isabel Fleck, a senior at CKHS.

“[Referring to the state competition preparation] it was a little bit rough just because I’m not like actually in his classes. So it is a little bit harder, I would say to try to practice through the competitions,” says Isabel, “Other than that … Adamson did give me a lot of help with giving practice prompts and you have like certain sessions that you can sit down for like three hours and do a practice.”

Isabel Fleck would end up winning her 3D modeling and animation competition.

“It was so odd…” says Isabel, “I didn’t think it was happening at the moment.”

This club would not have its success without its teacher, Jim Adamson is behind the school’s Skills USA chapter. He teaches in the Career and Technical Education building and shares his love and passion for the work his students produce.

“[Skills USA as a club] means that fantastic people get to do fantastic things that allow me to sit in awe of their talent.
And Ashley Christman also shares the joy of success the club members have in their individual accolades.

“Sitting there in the closing ceremony and being able to watch our members walk up onto the stage when their name was called to get their banner or their medals was a really rewarding experience.”

To any students who may be interested in career and technical education opportunities and becoming a future Skills USA member, Mr. Adamson club welcomes you.

“Skills USA allows you to perfect your skill or leadership talent that will serve you the rest of your life and will give you memories that you’ll cherish forever, ” says Mr. Adamson, “I’ve never had a student say they didn’t want to do skills after doing it. But I’ve often had students say I wish I’d done this last year.”