Basha Bear Network wins gold at SkillsUSA; Chandler Unified board recognizes students and teacher

The Chandler Unified School District governing board on Aug. 6 recognized Basha High Schools Basha Bear Network team after the students won gold in video news production at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Championships in Atlanta.

Superintendent Jeff Narducci and board members heard from teacher Glenda Skalitzki and several students who described the competition and thanked the district and school administrators for travel support. "These kids work their butts off, and they are stinking amazing," Skalitzki said, and she noted the trip included four seniors who represented Arizona at nationals.

Student Jaden, who said he served as a news anchor, described a competition process that simulated a live newscast with tight time limits. He told the board the team practiced extensively and used the district-funded lighting grid in the Basha studio for their productions. The board and superintendent also acknowledged chaperones and front-office support that helped the group travel to Atlanta.

Board members and district leaders also noted other recent CTE student achievements: six Basha students placed in FCCLA events, eight students from three CUSD high schools earned DECA awards, and several CTE satellite programs placed in the top five statewide. Superintendent Narducci said the Basha teams win was the first time an Arizona team earned gold in that event and reported that some of the same students were also nominated for student Emmy awards.

The board invited students and staff to join a group photograph and publicly thanked parents, teachers and the district for supporting career and technical education programs that led to the national recognition.

The recognition occurred early in the Aug. 6 meeting under the district's reports and information item.