LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
The success of any organization centers upon the people who dedicate their time to driving its mission forward
and believe that together, we can make a difference.
SkillsUSA Council continues to be a
vital solution to our local economic
and workforce challenges. At a time
when opportunity for employment is
critical, SkillsUSA Council is working
to ensure students attending Career and
Technical schools in Lehigh, Monroe,
Northampton and Upper Bucks
counties are equipped with the skills to
successfully enter the workforce.
We began the 16-17 school year with a new fundraising event,
The Inaugural Elmer Gates Memorial Clay Shoot. The shoot
held at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays, honored Elmer’s legacy and
welcomed District 11 students, Council Members, Board Members
and Industry Partners for a morning filled with excitement at a
unique and memorable outing.
Next up was The Leadership by Example Award Breakfast
honoring Judy Hunsicker, past Chair of the SkillsUSA Council
Board and COO of Embassy Bank For the Lehigh Valley. Judy
is an exceptional role model, demonstrating to our students
what true leadership is all about. Warren Steigerwalt was also
honored for his countless years as a key volunteer for the District
Championships.
In November, students attended Ambassador Training and the
Professional Development Conference held at Camelback. This
conference is a vital solution to the growing skills gap and provides
leadership, personal and workplace training so students graduate
career ready. 36 Industry Trade Speakers also joined us for a
portion of the conference and volunteered their time to discuss
career opportunities with our students.
District 11 Championships were bursting with energized
students, generous and hardworking volunteers, and interested
spectators. The event was a huge success with nine of our
students advancing to the National Competition in Louisville,
Kentucky.
The 8th Annual Culinary Challenge hosted at Lehigh Career
and Technical Institute tempted our taste buds and featured
unique dishes from France, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Norway.
Two schools walked away with awards, People’s Choice and
Judges Choice.
Finally, In May, we honored 43 students for their scholastic
achievement, community service, entrepreneurial spirit, and
involvement in SkillsUSA at the Elmer Gates Enterprise Awards.
In the pages that follow you will read more about these programs
as well as some highlights of SkillsUSA Alumni and Council
Members. The success of our organization is due in great part
to the support of our donors, schools, instructors, Council
Members, and Board. If you are not already actively involved I
invite you to become more engaged with the many wonderful
things happening at the Council.
Together we are building a better workforce!
Katie L. Walter
Executive Director