School District Five students take part in SkillsUSA Leadership Training Institute

For Immediate Release – October 11, 2024

School District Five students take part in SkillsUSA Leadership Training Institute

IRMO – Lexington-Richland School District Five students represented the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) at the largest ever SkillsUSA Washington Leadership Training Institute from September 20-25, 2024 in Washington, D.C.

During this conference, students gain leadership and advocacy training, have a chance to earn the National Statesman Award, schedule and lead meetings with U.S. congressional members regarding career and technical education and Perkins Funding.

Arianna Shepherd (South Carolina State Officer) and Avery Smith (National Officer), both seniors at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies and Spring Hill High School attended the conference. Arianna took her leadership skills to new heights as she not only earned the National Statesman Award, but led multiple meetings with Nancy Mace’s office and Representative Ralph Norman.

“Watching Arianna grow from a once quiet student into this amazingly talented leader and communicator has been a highlight for our chapter,” said her advisor Joseph Chapman. “She continues to not only seek ways to improve herself, but selflessly pours her heart and time into her fellow students, helping to mentor the next leaders that will come after her.”

Avery Smith had a different role this year compared to last, when she earned her National Statesman Award. As South Carolina’s first ever National Officer, she took center stage on multiple occasions throughout the conference, providing moving speeches and inspirational words for the masses of student leaders in attendance. This included at the main conference location and at the Jefferson Memorial. She also facilitated the leadership and advocacy training for students, preparing them for their congressional visits and future as leaders.

Her advisor, Joseph Chapman was able to see her in action. “Avery continues to represent our chapter, our state, and now our nation in a way that ignites a passion in so many individuals. She has moved past the nerves and doubt that someone would naturally feel in her position and become a true leader among her peers, someone that so many look up to and strive to be like.”

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