SRTC SkillsUSA officers describe state wins and ask committee for support to fund nationals trip

Student officers from Sanford Regional Technical Center's SkillsUSA chapter told the school committee Monday that many students medaled at the state competition and that gold winners qualify for SkillsUSA nationals, a weeklong event that offers competitions, industry connections and prizes that can include tools, scholarships and job opportunities.

"It was just an incredible opportunity for so many people," Riley Smith, SkillsUSA chapter president, said of the state contest. Students who won gold, the presenters said, can advance to nationals and often receive industry support that helps cover costs and creates job connections.

The students outlined several fundraisers — custom "boards" made by building-trades students with decals from graphic-design students, gift-card sales, and sponsorship requests to local businesses — and said the chapter has raised $30,937.29 to date toward a total estimated participant cost of about $47,847 for the trip. Advisors and boosters are covering elements such as commemorative packages and travel shirts, which the presenters said will be provided at no cost to participating students.

Committee members asked operational questions about numbers, chaperones and scheduling. Students acknowledged a scheduling anomaly this year that reduces senior participation because Nationals were moved earlier; the students said most attendees this year will be juniors and other underclassmen.

The presenters asked the committee to consider community donations; no formal district funding decision was made at the meeting.