PROGRAM
OF WORK
ELMER GATES ENTERPRISE AWARDS
The Elmer Gates Enterprise Awards, hosted
by the Gates Family and SkillsUSA Council,
were given to 43 career & technical education
students. Students were honored by Jodi Key
and Patti Gates-Smith, daughters of Elmer Gates
a founding member of SkillsUSA Council, at a
breakfast ceremony. Students were chosen based
on their scholastic achievement, school activities,
SkillsUSA involvement, community service, and
entrepreneurial spirit. Amy Silvoy, Bethlehem Area
Vocational-Technical School alumna, shared how the
importance of a career and technical education has
helped her in her career.
AMBASSADOR TRAINING &
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CONFERENCE
Ambassador Training prepared students to serve their
schools and the community upholding the principles of
SkillsUSA. During this overnight training, select students
receive specialized instruction on communication, financial
literacy, public speaking, and promoting SkillsUSA. They
were also tasked with preparing for and helping with the
Professional Development Conference.
The Professional Development Conference provided
students with intensive training in essential employment
and leadership skills. During this two-day, overnight event
over 180 students attended workshops and seminars
on topics such as etiquette, non-verbal communication,
dressing for success, interviewing skills, community service,
and teamwork. It also provided a unique opportunity for
students from all five area career and technical schools
to interact and network. The career cluster sessions
were particularly beneficial because students met area
professionals in their future trade to get a real world view of
what to expect when they enter the workforce.