by Gabrielle Treece, Veterinary Assistant, Class of 2024

A vital part of the SkillsUSA uniform is the red blazer — especially for an Opening and Closing Ceremonies team; it is iconic, and even a person who joined the organization as a VICA member back in the 60s and 70s — before the name was changed from Vocational Industrial Clubs of America — can identify it.

Lawrence County CTC has a huge SkillsUSA closet filled with jackets, blouses, dress pants, and blazers of many different styles and ages. Over the years, the appearance of this red blazer has altered. These original jackets had a silver-gray lining, plain hip pockets, and a VICA patch with corresponding buttons for ladies; for men, they were the same — but with pocket flaps and vents. Most recently, SkillsUSA has designed their newer jackets that all have pockets with flaps and open vents in the back. If you simply glanced, you’d simply see the iconic red blazer; but with a closer look from a trained eye — one a judge would have, you’d see the difference.

My jacket, lovingly nicknamed “The Frankenstein” jacket, was an original VICA jacket. Though it was the same red shade, the material was different. The VICA patch had been removed, and a new SkillsUSA patch took its place as did new official SkillsUSA buttons. Years ago, a hem had been taken at the shoulders and the shoulder pads had been removed, probably to fit someone with small shoulders like mine. In an effort to compete in the same style jacket, we had to remove flaps from another jacket and stitch them at the top of my open, plain pockets. Finally, we reinforced my buttons and hoped for the best on our travels to Georgia.

When we got to Georgia after Monday night’s meeting with Team PA national competitors, we chatted with Mrs. Deb Elliot, chairwoman of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of Pennsylvania and cheerleader of any team who competes for Pennsylvania. She took one look at the lining of my jacket from VICA days and was amazed at the lengths we needed to go to patch up the jacket for competition. For someone who has spent active decades putting on her own red blazer before competitions and presentations, she immediately knew that good ol’ “Frankenstein” just wouldn’t do.

In a call to our advisor the following morning, with her quick central Pennsylvania dialect, Deb Elliot announced, “I’m going to say something, and you’re not permitted to say, ‘NO’.” You could almost hear her eyebrows lovingly raise in the authoritative manner of this former servicewoman, making it impossible to protest.

After realizing that this wasn’t a matter of being volun”told” to do something, with tears of appreciation and an understanding of the weight of the request to permit this incredible act of kindness, our advisor agreed.

Meanwhile, I thought I got to sleep in on that Tuesday morning, but two of my roommates came and gently woke me up bright and early. “Mrs. Deb needs you to wake up. She is going to take you to get a new jacket.”

What? She wants to do what? I shot out of bed — no questions asked out loud — put my socks and shoes on, and was ready to go. Once I found out I had a little time to get ready, I brushed my hair and teeth and gathered my senses; how exciting — a new jacket! And how incredibly thoughtful for her to believe in our team — in me — so much that she would do this!

After suspensefully waiting, Mrs. McVicker and I departed the hotel and traveled to the convention center to meet with her at the SkillsUSA store.

When we entered, we immediately found the racks of red blazers lined in rows on the side wall, their red color calling members to be tried on and taken home. As we bee-lined our way over, the was even a fitting specialist to assist with sizing, punctuating the importance. “Proper fit is very important,” Ms. Deb explained to me, “And it may take a few tries, but we’ll find you one that will do.”

I felt like Goldilocks as the first fit was too small, and the next was a little better, but when I slid into the third jacket, it fit like a glove. Immediately, I smiled from ear to ear and stood up a little taller. Unlocking new confidence, matching and exceeding the euphoria of putting on this blazer for the first time ever, I knew that this was exactly what I needed without knowing it.

Excitingly fastening the buttons, I couldn’t stop thanking Ms. Deb. I’m not sure she understands what that act of kindness meant to me, but after reading this, I hope she does. It was not about the material aspect of the jacket; it was the fact that she wanted me to be able to go into competition with a clear mind knowing that I look and feel good — that she believed in me, in our team so much that she listened to the voice inside her head to tell her to “just do it.” So she did, and for that I am grateful.

Because of the jacket, I was able to compete the best I ever have with my team, and it this year, it showed in a tangible way — especially when paired with the shiny bronze medal earned and worn with pride at a job well done.