The new SkillsUSA chapter at Mansfield Senior High School is expected to advance the Career Technical Education program and expand its ties to local business and industry.
All 241 juniors and seniors in the Career Tech program automatically are chapter members. The purpose and benefits of SkillsUSA membership will be outlined to juniors and seniors in two assemblies scheduled for Friday.
Kevin Williams, SkillsUSA Ohio director, has described the organization as “a partnership of students, teachers and business and industry working together to ensure Ohio has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA also provides its members with the opportunity to display their technical and leadership skills through the SkillsUSA Championships Program.”
Senior High’s Career Tech program includes auto tech, construction tech, health tech, performing arts, networking/gaming design, culinary arts, cosmetology, interactive/digital media, machine tech and computer-aided drafting and design.
Dirk Eachus, director of the performing arts program, is the SkillsUSA chapter adviser. “We will create our own service projects and develop more connections with our community partners within business and industry,” Eachus said. “Our overall goal is to build professionalism.”
Quaniejk Norris, a computer-aided drafting and design student, is the chapter president. “I take my role as president very seriously,” Norris added. “I think a lot of people will take notice of what we are doing. I think most will participate and help make the chapter successful.”
Eachus, Norris and the other chapter officers participated in the SkillsUSA Ohio Fall Leadership Conference Oct. 30-31 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
SkillsUSA membership was a priority of Senior High Assistant Principal Scott Musser, who directs the Career Tech program. “Our officers have learned how to run an effective club. They will now be responsible for moving us forward,” Musser said. “One of my goals is that we will have students in each Career Tech study area competing one-on-one against students from other districts through SkillsUSA.”
Photo: Officers of the SkillsUSA chapter at Mansfield Senior High School are, back row from left, Quaniejk Norris, president; Nayasha Franklin, treasurer, and Nkosi Bradley, vice president. In front are Savanna Yeater, secretary/reporter and Damoni Williams, parliamentarian.
Source: Mansfield City Schools
