CONGRATULATIONS!
Our 2016 SkillsUSA Opening and Closing team earned the distinction of
being third in the nation -- Yes, that's right...NATION!!! AND they were
awarded the prestigious Skill Point Certificate, a test that shows that they
were "work force ready!”
Opening
and Closing? What is that? Just one of the many competitions offered in
SkillsUSA, this leadership event is comprised of seven students from any
grade-level and shop. The purpose of
this competition is to evaluate the contestants' understanding of the symbolic
representation of the colors and assembled parts of the SkillsUSA emblem and to
evaluate teamwork and professional presentation skills.
The
emblem from SkillsUSA? It is comprised
of five components:
·
Shield = Patriotism
·
Gear = Industrial Society
·
Torch = Knowledge
·
Orbital Circles = Technology
·
Hands = Individual
What
did it take for the 2016 team to get to Nationals? Practice.
Lots of Practice. In addition to
the personal practice needed to pour over the official Scope and Sequence
(rules) and to memorize both individual and group speeches, over 90 hours of
practice as a team throughout the course of the year was needed; this occurred during
activity period, after school, in local parks, and during “down-time” at
competition venues. They have also
performed their competition presentation in front of local rotaries, school
boards, OAC Meetings, SkillsUSA conferences and competitions, and in front of
the entire school. The largest audience: approximately 800!
Why
would they do this? #1: It’s fun!
It has also taught each member to be poised and confident in front of an
individual or a packed arena. Working
closely to make a goal and meet that goal with a diverse group teaches
real-life experiences: how to be a compromise
and lead, how to positively communicate, and how to work through trials and
tribulations – all while maintaining a sense of team…of family.
What
is in store for the team in 2017?
Returning to competition are two of the seven members from last year’s
team, Jenna and Jake are hungry for a repeat of last year’s successes. Yes – there is a lot to be done to assemble a
new team, but these two are ready and willing to do what it takes. This means patience, perseverance, and
practice – lots, and lots of practice.
Who are the members of the 2017 team? When you see the following students, congratulate them:
Who are the members of the 2017 team? When you see the following students, congratulate them:
- Krista Berkley, junior
- Brandee D'Ambrosi, junior
- Tristyn Gravatt, junior
- Jenna Locke, senior
- Dayuna Reitnauer, sophomore
- Jacob Troutman, senior
- Felicity Weir, junior
Whether
you are a member of the Opening and Closing team or a competitor for one of the
many shop-specific events, Jenna and Jake urge you to “just join SkillsUSA. It’s so much fun, and you learn so much!”
If
you are interested in joining SkillsUSA, contact Mrs. Weisenstein or Mr. Goebel.
