Silver Award winners Michael Galgiani, Shane Siebers and Noah Morris.
After a two-year hiatus, Douglas High School and nearly other 50 secondary and post-secondary schools across Nevada competed in the 2022 Nevada SkillsUSA Leadership & Skill Conference in April.
During the conference students showcased their skills learned in career & technical education programs such as culinary arts and engineering technology and competed in other contests including job interview, prepared speech, extemporaneous speaking and job demonstration.
Skills USA’s mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens.
“Skills USA was a great experience,” said Douglas High School senior and culinary student Esteban Acevedo Cruz. “I had to work under pressure in a limited amount of time. The judges helped me realize how conscientious I am about work. I also have a better idea of the knowledge I have gained while enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program. I have also come to understand that I have a bright future in this field, and to never give up on my dreams.”
DHS Sophomore and culinary student Jake Guzy won the Silver Medal in the job interview contest.
“SkillsUSA was an overall great experience” said Guzy.” Everyone was nice and supportive with a very competitive atmosphere. I was able to create new relationships and brought home skills I never knew I had.”
Douglas High School Culinary Arts and Commercial Baking Instructor Kerry Stack said Guzy and Acevedo Cruz demonstrated the skills and leadership that the CTE courses offer students.
“These young men are such a fine example of what CTE courses can do for our students,” she said. “They spent hours practicing and refining their skills which will benefit them when they enter the workforce. They learned discipline and great work ethic will help to move them forward in their chosen careers. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
The competitions during the conference are designed to challenge students in ways real-life scenarios would in the different careers, which the students found to be helpful.
For instance, teams from the engineering design and development class completed an onsite problem using STEM solutions and skills.
“Most engineering job interviews require a response to a similar problem-solution challenge as part of the hiring process,” said DHS student Emmet Allen.
The students were challenged to come up with ideas to building solutions with Legos and materials to construct bridges and objects of the like.
During some of the engineering and technology competitions one Douglas High School group received third place for their battery storage solution and another DHS team created a silicone lid design for food storage.
“The conference was great opportunity for the students to have an authentic venue to showcase their engineering skills and it brought the students and teacher together in a fun environment,” said Douglas High School’s Engineering and Technology teacher Kristina Erb. The Skills USA program is a wonderful capstone for motivation and highlighting skills in technical fields that simulate career and job environments.”
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