SkillsUSA Ohio brought 60 student regional officers and their state officers to the Washington area for a week’s worth of leadership training. Ten advisors were with them, half coming to the conference for the first time. State director Mike Cowles put together a tremendous agenda for training and visits to Washington including a trip to the Capitol to meet with their senators. As one of the advisors said as he climbed on the bus: “This trip will be a lifelong memory.”

One of the Ohio student officers said to me on Tuesday, January 19: “I’m just not used to this. Being here with all of these students from Ohio, and the teachers, and the SkillsUSA national staff. I feel as though I’ve stepped up into a whole new league. I hope I’m ready for it.” I assured her that I was sure she was ready for it. That’s why she was here. To me, that’s one of those SkillsUSA moments when students discover they can be surrounded by students who are just as engaged and energetic as they are. It’s fun to see.

Tags: State Conferences

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