The week of June 22 to 27, Chopticon senior Matthew Hale was honored when he was chosen to be one of only ten students to help govern SkillsUSA. The competition took place in Kansas City, MO during the SkillsUSA annual meeting.

 When asked about the honor, Matthew said, “I have to do a lot of work. There is a bi-monthly report that has to be made about what we are doing here and then I am also helping to create the national monthly newsletter.” He is prepared to have to do a lot of work in the coming year, but that he was proud to attain the highest level in the organization. Matthew maintains a 3.7 GPA and is active in high schools sports. He currently is a member of Chopticon’s cross country team and plans to play lacrosse and indoor track this spring.

 
 Left to right: Hampton, Hale, Taylor

 Matthew ultimately is seeking an appointment to the US Naval Academy. The young man believes in working hard and applying himself fully to everything he does. He has been a part of the SkillsUSA organization for three years, serving as an officer for Maryland during the 2006-07 school year.

 SkillsUSA is a student run organization designed to foster education for students wishing to pursue careers in technical fields, are interested in training in non-traditional academic areas. The program used to be called Vocational Industrial Clubs of America.

 The organization is a partnership between students, teachers and industry professionals who working together to ensure America has a skilled work force while helping individual students to excel at the local level.

 SkillsUSA serves more than 300,000 students and instructors annually. The organization has 13,000 school chapters in 54 state and territorial associations. More than 14,500 instructors and administrators are professional members of SkillsUSA.

 SkillsUSA returns to Kansas City June 23-28, 2008 for the 44th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference, a showcase of career and technical education students.

 Matthew smiled when talking about next year’s NLSC. “Last year, I was battered with interviews, quick back-to-back test, all without any notice,” he said. “Next year I get to be one of those that get to work the incoming candidates.”

 According to program coordinator, Stephanie Hampton Matthew will be doing a lot for SkillsUSA national this year. “He is the closest national officer they have had in quite a few years.” The national headquarters is located in Leesburg, VA.

 Matthew’s principal at the Dr. James Forrest Technology Center, Robert Taylor said of Matthew, “He is a very dedicated student and we are proud of his accomplishments. This also brings recognition to Southern Maryland schools.” Taylor indicated that Matthew’s achievement brings attention to the excellent education programs available to stud