We offer our congratulations to the students of Buckingham county High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center on their great work last month in their respective SkillsUSA district competitions.
More importantly, we commend them for representing Buckingham County and its students so very well.
The school division’s CTE Center offers students career-track courses, many of which result in certification and degrees that well-prepare them for the workforce.
The fact of the matter is that our nation — and this community — needs carpenters, welders, beauticians and barbers, sawyers, automotive mechanics and those who can help us by working with their hands.
The center, its instructors, staff and students are truly something Buckingham County should be proud of.
The cosmetology, carpentry and welding students were challenged in projects, which resulted in many placing in their competitions, moving to the state level.
“I am extremely proud,” cosmetology instructor Felicia Harris said of her students. “This is the first year we ever went to the district competition. To be able to compete on a district level and then have one of my students move on to the state level … I’m very proud of them.”
Students were challenged with time constraints and specific project criteria, testing their abilities.
“It really shows you what they can do when they’re given the opportunity to succeed,” welding instructor Andrew Schmitt said of his students’ involvement in the competition. “It’s all about making these kids successful so they can go fill the void that’s created right now because of the lack of welders in the country.”
We commend the students for testing their skills, showing their strengths and putting Buckingham County on the map in such a worthy endeavor.