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High school CTSO leaders tell Senate panel their organizations build leadership, career readiness
Summary
Two student leaders — Aden Panacacci of the Technology Student Association and Emily Davis, president-elect of Idaho HOSA — told the Senate Education Committee how career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) contributed to their leadership development and career plans.
Two Idaho high school student leaders told the Senate Education Committee how involvement in career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) helped shape their career goals and leadership skills.
Aden Panacacci, president of the Technology Student Association (TSA), told the committee that TSA offered more than competitions: it gave him leadership experience, a platform for collaboration and opportunities to connect with peers and professionals. "The most profound impact that TSA has had on me is its emphasis on leadership development and community building," Panacacci said, describing regional and national competition, project work and chapter leadership responsibilities.
Emily Davis, president-elect of Idaho HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), said HOSA exposed her to a wide array of health-care careers and practical skills. Davis described competing in parliamentary procedure, attending more than 90 mock meetings and gaining confidence she said will support her hoped-for medical career. "Through CTSOs, we're able to develop leadership, teamwork, and technical skills before stepping into the workforce," Davis told the committee.
Why it matters: The students’ accounts were presented as examples of how CTE-related extracurriculars can give practical, career-oriented experience and leadership opportunities well before college or the workforce.
Both students credited teachers and advisors for guidance and said CTSO participation helped them discover and commit to career plans; Panacacci noted TSA chapters encourage students to pursue engineering and STEM pathways, while Davis described HOSA's role in helping her refine medical interests and build professional connections. The committee offered praise and asked few follow-up questions.
Ending: Both students completed remarks and stood for questions; their presentations immediately followed a briefing from the State Board's CTE division and preceded the teacher recognition and an appointment hearing.
