On the Cover: SkillsUSA Champion Ed Soto of Pawtucket, R.I. Photo by Lloyd Wolf.

By Craig E. Moore
When Cherie Thomas set out to build a better chapter, it seemed it would take a miracle. But it was good old-fashioned work that got the job done — with some good fortune. [Read]

By E. Thomas Hall
Can an extremely diverse group like this ever form a cohesive unit? You bet.
[Read]

By Tom Kercheval
The kindness of strangers carried “B” Francis from the streets of his native Uganda. Now he’s returning the favor. [Read]

By Ann P. Schreiber
Meet an instructor whose involvement spans 25 years. Plus: regional nominees. [Read]

By Tom Kercheval
Compared to convincing his mom he should go to a career center, making 33 grand while still a student was easy. [Read]