On October 29, 2024, Euclid High School hosted its inaugural SkillsUSA Kickoff, launching an exciting journey of growth and development for its Career and Technical Education (CTE) students. The event marked a pivotal step in fostering leadership and career readiness, with Jackie Walker, Director of SkillsUSA Ohio, joining as a special guest to inspire and guide students.
When asked about Euclid High School’s commitment to SkillsUSA, Principal Corey Russell emphasized the program’s value, stating, “Our goal is to equip students with the technical, leadership, and professional skills they need to thrive in their careers. SkillsUSA allows us to align education with workforce needs, providing our students with opportunities to excel both in and out of the classroom.”
Jackie Walker’s presence added significance to the event, as she shared insights into SkillsUSA’s history and the impressive growth it has experienced since its inception. She noted that Ohio is currently the second-largest SkillsUSA chapter in the country. Walker highlighted the SkillsUSA Framework for Success, which focuses on three key areas: personal skills, technical skills grounded in academics, and workplace skills. She emphasized the importance of work ethic, teamwork, communication, and career readiness as essential components of student success.
Students actively engaged in the event, participating in challenges designed to enhance their networking abilities, teamwork, and communication skills—fundamental competencies that will support their journey through SkillsUSA and beyond. The excitement was evident as students embraced these opportunities to connect and grow.
This year, Euclid High School has six candidates running for regional office positions at the upcoming Fall Leadership Conference, scheduled for November 14 and 15. These students are bidding for roles such as President, Vice President, and Secretary. In addition to the candidates, four delegates will represent Euclid High School at the conference, demonstrating their commitment to leadership and excellence.
The SkillsUSA chapter at Euclid High School draws from a diverse range of CTE programs, including construction, robotics, music engineering, studio art, allied health, criminal investigation, and health sciences. Each program offers unique opportunities for students to develop their skills and explore potential career paths. The Kickoff event served as an inspiring starting point, uniting these programs under the SkillsUSA banner and setting the stage for a year of growth, achievement, and community.
As the school moves forward with SkillsUSA, Euclid High School remains committed to empowering students to become skilled professionals and confident leaders. Staff and students alike are eager to witness the achievements that will result from this promising initiative.