by Elia McKnight, Class of 2023

Twelve students: All earning the title ‘best-in-the-state’ in each of their competitions. The students are absolutely overcome with joy as they hear their names announced in the winner’s brackets at the State competition. Likewise, the students are swamped with shock at the price tag on National Competition’s shelf, including travel, meal, and housing costs (plus tax.) But, like the SkillsUSA Champions™ they are, they gather themselves and ground their thoughts in determination.

Over the course of the next couple of months, our Terrible Twelve are found working tirelessly on organizing travel fundraisers — continued sales of Daffin’s Candy bars and Country Meat Sticks, and four Dine to Donate events at Hot Head Burritos in Union Township. Our Diligent Dozen came in from full-time co-op jobs to practice for competition ‘just one more time’ - to review the scope, pack their tools, and pick the brains of their instructors. Our National Competitors representing the Lawrence County region write paper upon letter upon scholarship essay to anyone willing to listen to their call for financial aid.

We finally received that answer to our call a few weeks before we departed. Harbor Freight’s Tools For Schools program set up a scholarship fund for students traveling to NLSC across the country. Because of their generous endorsement, our chapter could easily journey to our competition in Atlanta. It’s because of this company that our students could compete in their vocations, gleaning a variety of skills to bring back to their home county to utilize as the next generation of workers.

Soon after, we received a notice that the Ellwood Group Inc. made a generous donation, too! What a feeling it was to know that a business — right in our own backyard — was in our corner!

Almost at the same time, a graduate of LCCTC, recent LCCTC Hall of Fame recipient, and County Commissioner joined in as another supporter! Thank you, Mr. Richard Rapone, for believing in us.

Finally, it was during the end of the week at NLSC that we learned that we were also being supported by, yet another interested group, the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association! What a wonderful surprise to top of the end of a wonderful week! Your support is truly appreciated!

We’d like to thank everyone — our community, our school, and local industry and organizations for providing us with the resources needed to close the skills gap through SkillsUSA. You make a difference in our world because of your obvious care for the future of the next generation of skilled workers.

Oh — and by the way — If you click through the grouping of pictures below (a sample of our experiences this week) that your generosity paid off! Of our 12 competitors, we’re bringing home 8 bronze medals! Enjoy the photos below: