SkillsUSA students highlight community impact ahead of state conference

Keira Riihimaki, a member of the Phelps SkillsUSA team, is reaching out to the community on behalf of the group to promote the work students have completed under the guidance of advisors Laura Anderson and Dustin Spink.

At this year’s SkillsUSA Wisconsin State Leadership and Skills Conference, scheduled for April 7–8 in Madison, Phelps students will present their projects in the American Spirit competition. The team has organized and carried out three initiatives focused on community service, citizenship and patriotism.

Their first project was a blood drive held March 24 at Phelps School. Riihimaki said, “Through the blood drive, it has driven the students to make more positive impacts throughout the town.”

In addition, the team recently conducted a communitywide survey of Phelps residents. Terefech Snook, a Phelps SkillsUSA member, said, “The communitywide survey asked questions about how the town of Phelps can encourage young families to return after high school or college.”

The team presented the survey results to the town board earlier this month during a regular meeting. The findings showed strong interest in creating housing and employment opportunities for recent graduates and young families.

Finally, the team developed a Flag Day presentation for students in grades 2 through 5, teaching them about flag etiquette and the history of the American flag. “Through this project, teaching kids the proper etiquette of the American flag, our team built great communication skills with students of all ages,” said Isaiah Perlewitz, a Phelps SkillsUSA member.

SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce and to help students excel. The organization serves middle school, high school and college students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled occupations, including health fields.

Its mission emphasizes leadership development and workplace excellence, including high ethical standards, superior job skills, lifelong learning and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA also promotes understanding of the free enterprise system and encourages community service. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor as a “successful model of employer-driven youth development training program.”

Phelps High School is an affiliated SkillsUSA chapter and one of only 12 schools in Wisconsin with a middle school chapter. The organization provides students in smaller schools the opportunity to compete on an equal footing with larger schools. In addition to advisors and teachers, parents play an active role in supporting students as they prepare for competitions.

First-place winners at the state competition will advance to the National SkillsUSA Championships, scheduled for June 1–5 in Atlanta, Ga.