SkillsUSA Leadership Conference ~ Savannah Harris

On December 2nd, twenty-nine SkillsUSA members from LCCTC joined with approximately 400 students from the Western Pennsylvania region at a leadership conference in Erie, PA. The purpose of the day was twofold for our members: to increase their leadership skills and to meet other SkillsUSA members like themselves! 

LCCTC's Award-winning Opening and Closing Team: Halle St. Clair ~ CA senior, Skylar Harris ~ Cos senior, Kaitlyn Wright ~ HA senior, Kylie Smith ~ HA senior, Kayla Baker Cos senior, Jacob Troutman ~ COT junior, and Jenna Locke ~ CA junior

LCCTC's Opening and Closing team made us proud as they opened the ceremony early that morning, right after breakfast in front of thirteen other schools! HOW NERVE-WRACKING -- presenting in front of a crowd of almost 400, so we asked some of the newest team members to tell us how they felt that morning after opening the ceremony.

"It was a very scary experience, but I enjoyed every moment of it!," remembers Skylar Harris, senior cosmetology student from Ellwood City. "It was probably the most nervous I've ever been, but sharing this experience with my team was the best part!" 

Jacob Troutman said, "To have presented in front of as many people as there were at the conference, I now feel like I can accomplish anything!" 

Kayla Baker, Earl Gravatt ~ HA sophomore, Bobby Bird ~ CT senior, and Allison Clingensmith ~ HA senior transition to the next activity.  Did anyone see Ben?

After the opening ceremony finished, the members of SkillsUSA split into groups and proceeded to cycle through activities! 


Each member was able to network with students from other schools. They participated in critical thinking, creativity, team-building, and knowledge-based activities in the form of Jeopardy! There was also a cyber-safety discussion that was a real eye-opener.

Kylie Smith and Kaitlyn Wright practice communication
skills and critical thinking.

Brittany Krieble communicates without
saying a word.  Shhhhh...

Sarah Santana, HA Senior, learning to properly network

Austin Brandes, MTT junior, gets creative!

"It was a lot of fun, a good experience with great people,
and I found thousands of reasons to smile. "
~ Jenna Locke

"SkillsUSA is a lot of fun!  I always enjoy traveling
with this group and take any chance I can to
go with them!" ~ Bryce Dolquist, GO Senior

"I loved meeting as well as working with other members from the different districts!"  exclaimed Kaitlyn Wright. "Everyone was quiet at first, but once we got to know each other we all had a great time!" 

Kaitlyn HA senior learns about cyber-security. 

Nikki Miller, CA Senior, uses charm and ingenuity to
tackle tough tasks!

Halle St. Clair ~ CA Senior, Savannah Harris ~ Cos senior, and Tessa Buchta ~ CA senior
prepare for fun!

We enjoyed a delectable of lunch of ham, chicken, potatoes, and pie.  FANCY!  

After the activities, all SkillsUSA members were invited to get a chance to meet the owner of Splash Lagoon, Mr. Nick Scott, Sr.  Mr. Scott talked about never giving up on dreams and encouraged everyone to take risks and to dream -- not only to dream small, but to dream big; because every idea can be a great idea, if you put your mind to it! And not only did we get to hear about the newest surprise coming to Erie, one of own, Earl Gravatt, got the chance to take home two free tickets to Splash Lagoon for his dancing skills and because he was willing to take a risk and ask for them! 

Watch me Whip!

Earl "the Pearl" and Nick Scott of Splash Lagoon

Finally, it was time to head home but FIRST-- "let me take a selfie!" :

On our way back home, we asked a few SkillsUSA members what they thought of the Leadership conference and how much fun they had. :

"The leadership conference was great! I had the best time meeting others involved in Skills. I'm very glad I attended!" said Savannah Harris.