Elma High School Student Elected for Leadership Role with National Organization
For the first time in more than a decade, a Washington high school student is representing the state for SkillsUSA, a national career and technical student organization.
Grace Smith, a senior at Elma High School, was elected as a National Officer for SkillsUSA at the organization’s National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) held in June. Smith will serve as President of the SkillsUSA High School Officers during the 2022–23 school year.
Students interested in serving as a SkillsUSA National Officer must complete an application, which helps determine their eligibility. Once they receive confirmation that they are eligible to be an official candidate, students are provided with preparation resources before completing a written exam and interviews.
At the NLSC, candidates participate in campaigning, meet-the-candidate events, responding to problem-solving questions, and presenting a speech. A team of delegates then elect the National Officers.
Smith, who is training for a career in early childhood education, campaigned with the help of Elma High School teacher and SkillsUSA advisor Tyler Renz. In her speech, she spoke about her ability to teach others about SkillsUSA and share her passion for the organization. Smith has been involved with SkillsUSA for three years, including previous service as Vice President of the Washington State Officers.
Smith’s parents operate a childcare center, and she has also been involved in SkillsUSA’s Early Childhood Education Program. As a National Officer, Smith will serve as a communicator, advocate, and facilitator. The High School National Officers lead the NLSC each year, as well as serve local SkillsUSA chapters and teach members the SkillsUSA Framework to help them become career-ready.
SkillsUSA Washington has not had a member serve as a National Officer in 11 years. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) congratulates Smith on her accomplishments.
Editor’s note: This article was edited to clarify that Smith is the first Washington student serving in a leadership role for SkillsUSA, not the first Washington student serving in a leadership role for any national organization.
