Hempfield has always had a valuable tradition and involvement in the vocational technology center. While the students have always achieved individual success, it has only been recently that the have had the chance to demonstrate their skills in competitions against other vocational schools and students.
Once more this year, these students have participated in the Skills USA competition in Hershey PA. The students from CWCTC have 19 programs of study, which consist of 3 years of training. In 1965, the Vocational Industry Clubs of America (VICA) was established for trade schools and education institutions to help student empowering them in technical schools. In 2004, the name was changed to Skills USA with the intention of presenting more than a vocational image but a more contemporary and inclusive image.
Central Westmoreland Technology Center is a vocational school with 12 different districts that are part of CWCTC, one of which includes Hempfield. Central Westmoreland Technology offers only a variety of clubs to join. One of those is Skills USA, which is managed by 4 different vocational teachers who have promoted the program to the students at the vocational school. Hempfield students spend the first half of their day at the technology school during their first year, and then they spend the second half of their day there during their second and third years. Some of the students are members of the Skills USA club. In November, students who were elected by their peers as Delegates at the beginning of the year travel to Seven Springs for a 3-day conference that includes Leadership Skills.
The club also offers competitions that begin in November. Students who are part of the club and are eager to compete for their school are then selected by their teacher and compete in their shop in the beginning of November. Whoever finishes first in their shop is then chosen to advance to the district competition, which takes place at one of the nearby technology schools. Then, if a student from CWCTC wins first place at the competition, they proceed to the States held in Hershey PA.
Mariah Klingensmith and Aubree Nelson are two Hempfield students who intend to pursue work in the medical field immediately after graduation. Mariah Klingensmith is in Health Occupations, while Aubree, who was formerly in Health Occupations, has now switched her class to Protective Services, where she is currently enrolled in the EMT class, alongside seniors as a junior. She plans to work on co-op in her senior year. Aubree and Mariah were chosen from their classmates and teacher for the opening and closing ceremony. Aubree and Mariah will be returning members for a second consecutive year for Skills USA. This marks Aubree’s second year attending States in Hershey PA. Aubree and Mariah chose to participate in the opening and closing ceremony for their school. Klingensmith noted that her time in Hershey was a new experience and it was enjoyable to make new friends.
In conclusion, the participation of Hempfield students in the Skills USA competition highlights the dedication and talent present within the vocational technology center. The opportunities provided by Central Westmoreland Technology Center, combined with the support of the Skills USA program, empower students like Mariah Klingensmith and Aubree Nelson to pursue their career aspirations in fields such as health and protective services.
