Press Release:

Valdosta High School SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor, Wes Force (Graphic Communications) and Jim Dawkins (Construction Technology) accompanied ten students to the SkillsUSA State Competitions held in Atlanta, March 11-13. While three students attended Georgia’s annual Construction Expo, the other students competed in their respected skills areas on Friday, March 12. These seven contestants competed in a variety of career and technical course areas: LeShawn Taylor, Advertising Design; Raheem Daniels, Carpentry; David Hutcherson, Plumbing; Harley Warren, Power Equipment Technology; Skip Fedrick and Stephen Cavallaro, Web Site Design; and Jensine Williams, PowerPoint Design.

Jensine Williams, VHS Chapter President, won the election for the State Officer position of South Region Vice President, becoming the first student from VHS to hold a State Officer position. VHS Sophomore, Harley Warren, placed third in Power Equipment Technology. Harley competed against fourteen students from across the entire State. VHS Juniors, Skip Fedrick and Stephen Cavallaro, placed first in Web Site Design and will advance to the SkillsUSA National competition held in Kansas City, MO, June 21-26. They also received a $900 transportation sponsorship from Gulfstream Corporation which will be used toward travel expenses for the National competition. The week-long event offers opportunities for networking, leadership development, and skills enhancement.

Prior to the State competition, the following students won medals at the Region competition held in Moultrie, February 26: LeShawn Taylor, 1st Place in Advertising Design; Raheem Daniels, 2nd Place in Carpentry; David Hutcherson, 2nd Place in Plumbing; Harley Warren, 2nd Place in Power Equipment Technology; and Steven Purvis, 3rd Place in Architectural Drafting.

SkillsUSA is a National student organization with membership open to all students enrolled in career and technical course areas offered at their school. SkillsUSA aims to promote the dignity of work and one’s vocation, while preparing students for progressive futures into professional environments.