When a SkillsUSA chapter is as successful as the Sandy Creek High group, members strive to reach new heights each year – a goal they met this year by earning some of the most coveted awards given at the State Leadership and Skills Conference.
The graphic communications section of the school’s chapter was recognized as one of 25 Georgia Chapters of Excellence, and one of only seven Gold Chapters of Distinction. These recognitions are part of a newly inaugurated SkillsUSA National Chapter Excellence Program that evaluates chapter quality and performance through an application process.
Additionally, the chapter was recognized as one of 18 completers of the 50/50/50 Trifecta Challenge in honor of the SkillsUSA 50th anniversary. In order to qualify, chapters must have a membership of 50, completed 50 hours of community service, and donated $50 to Ricky’s Challenge, a student support, student funded campaign that helps offset competition expenses for members.
Not only did the chapter receive top honors at the conference, but individual members did as well. Twenty-three of them competed in 21 events and won 13 medals. All gold medal recipients (who competed in national-level recognized events) are advancing to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference that will take place in Louisville, Kentucky in June.
Students awarded gold medals and advancing to the national competition are Ty Simpson (computer programming); Jordan Fason (extemporaneous speaking); Kristopher Davis (mobile mechanics); Jin Kim (website design); and Anthony Sarkis (website design).
Other students who received medals are Jessica Green (gold, communication skills 9th and 10th grade); Anthony Sarkis (gold, promotional graphic); Meagan Coleman (silver, applied communication 11th and 12th grade); Cameron King (gold, Georgia t-shirt design and silver, photography); Chidera Obinali (silver, promotional graphic and bronze, advertising design); and Helen Smith (bronze, graphic communications).
Helen Smith, the school’s current chapter treasurer, was named one of six new members of the 2015-2016 state officer team. She is also the winner of the SkillsUSA national t-shirt design competition, and will be recognized for the achievement at the national conference.
