Students involved with the Pulaski County High School CTE program have always been very good at what they do. Students involved in the SkillsUSA program have been consistent performers in their various trades and crafts, representing the school and STEM/CTE program with pride and honor. This year, however, things have apparently picked up as Pulaski County students have not only earned high praise and recognition for their own efforts, but this year the students have taken things a step further, gaining even higher recognition for the program.
The students who traveled to Virginia Beach for the 57th Virginia SkillsUSA Leadership and Skill Conference April 8-10 were able to compete in several different areas.
The top placing student of the event was senior Cheyann Gallimore, who earned first place in Customer Service. This contest evaluates students’ proficiency in providing customer service. The contest involves live, role-playing situations. Contestants demonstrate their ability to perform customer service in both written and oral forms including telephone and computer skills, communications, problem solving, conflict resolution and business etiquette.
By earning first place at the state level, Gallimore will now have the opportunity to represent Pulaski County High School, District VII SkillsUSA, and the Commonwealth of Virginia on the national level during the SkillsUSA national Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, June 20-25.
Senior Gwendolyn Puckett earned a second-place finish in the Job Interview category. This contest is divided into three phases: completion of employment applications; preliminary interviews with receptionist; and, in-depth interviews. Contestants are evaluated on their understanding of employment procedures faced in applying for positions in the occupational areas in which they are training.
Junior Joseph Burcham earned third place in the Job Skill Demonstration A competition. In this competition, contestants demonstrate and explain an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training. Competitors in Job Skill A must demonstrate a career objective in an occupational area that is included in one of the contest areas of the SkillsUSA Championships.
Senior Ethan Wilhelm earned a third-place finish in the Automotive Service Technology competition. This contest is consistent with the automobile technician task list outlined in guidelines published by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the ASE Education Foundation at www.aseeducationfoundation.org. Contestants must demonstrate their ability to perform jobs or skills selected from the standards mentioned above as determined by the SkillsUSA Championships technical committee.
Senior Krystal Mattson earned ninth place in the Fantasy Manikin competition in the Cosmetology portion of the competition. Students will demonstrate their skills in haircolor, haircutting, hair styling and long hair design in four separate tests. All work is performed on mannequins, so everyone begins with the same model and the same type of hair. Contestants will perform one woman’s cut, and one man’s cut from a finished photo. They will also create one uniform layered haircut. A display of creativity is seen in the long hair segment of the competition where these future salon professionals demonstrate their own design skills. A parade finale closes the contest with each contestant walking down the stage with their completed mannequins to present to the audience.
Mattson also represented the Pulaski County SkillsUSA group as the 2021-22 Virginia SkillsUSA State Parliamentarian. As a Cosmetology III student at PCHS, Mattson completed her officer position duties at the state conference as new officers for the 2022-23 year were selected. Mattson represented the school, district and Commonwealth with professionalism, pride and purpose.
Perhaps the biggest news to come out of the competition was announced later, as the PCHS CTE Cosmetology program and students earned the Chapter of Excellence Program Quality of Chapter Award, only one of three chapters to earn this award in Virginia. Additionally, Pulaski County Cosmetology was awarded the only Chapter of Distinction Gold Level in Virginia. These awards are presented to schools who exemplify success in the program through participation and through integration of the SkillsUSA Program of Work.
The Pulaski County SkillsUSA program is now seeking sponsors and supporters to help the team get to Atlanta for the National competition. Individuals or businesses who are interested may contact Mrs. Julie Anderson at jlanders@pcva.us or call (540) 643-0226.