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LCHS 2009 Graduate Competes in National Skills USA Competition
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LCHS 2009 Graduate Competes in National Skills USA Competition
Gina Smith
Contributing Writer
Summer is just getting started and it already has been a memorable and successful one for a 2009 graduate of LCHS. Neal Smith was chosen to attend the Skills USA National Competition in Kansas City, Missouri. He was accompanied by his advisor/parents Kevin and Ann Smith. There, Neal competed with students nationally in cabinetmaking. The competitors are given only minutes at the beginning of the competition to look at a model of the project they were to build, given a set of plans and told to "go build this." After a grueling 8 hours, Neal finished with high marks and walked away ranked 18th in the nation! Not all competitors were able to even finish the project. Neal was incredibly excited about the competition and the outcome and described the trip, "This has been one of the best experiences of my life." He competed, and won against, some of the students that went to specialty trade schools and private schools, which made the competition fun but challenging.
Skills USA, formally called Vica, motto "Preparing for leadership in the world of work" lives up to their words. The program is completely designed to give life and job skills to high school students that can take them not only to their possible career, but builds good work ethics in general. These competitions on a state and national level range in many different areas, not only in cabinetmaking, but automotive, cosmetology, debate, plumbing, even culinary arts, CPR and Nurse assisting. Not only specific job related skills, but learning skills that EVERONE can benefit from. For example, job interviewing, resume writing, and speaking and speech skills.
The school works closely with the students involved in Skills USA to achieve their goals in any area they pick. "Hard work paid off for him. We are proud of him" commented LCHS Skills USA Advisor Terry Avery.
These new found skills and abilities will be invaluable going forward in life and profession. Neal commented on looking back to his experience in SkillsUSA, "To be able to put my involvement on a resume in the future is invaluable." It shows dedication and commitment. To walk away with a skill he wouldn't have otherwise is priceless. The memories are icing on the cake!
Smith and LCHS Skills Advisor Terry Avery along with the Nationals Advisors will be reporting to the school board on July 9th. For more information on Skills program available to local high schools, go to www.skillsusa.org.
After being involved in the Skills USA program for 3 years, this is a great way to end his high school years! Congratulations Neal!
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