WEST ORANGE, NJ - After a six-year hiatus, the West Orange High School SkillsUSA team is heading to the State championships at Somerset County Vocational School in Bridgewater to compete in the Health Bowl, Knowledge Bowl, and Advanced Math Bowl. 

SkillsUSA is an organization that recognizes the importance of "empowering students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members." Its mission is achieved using the framework of Personal Skills, Workplace Skills and Technical Skills Grounded in Academics, which is integrated into the classroom curriculum. Over 130 occupational areas are included in the program, and the Framework allows SkillsUSA students to develop their hands-on skills by industry standards. The program hones career-readiness skills — teamwork, communication, professionalism, leadership and more — that fuel career and life success. Students and staff are tasked with upholding the essential values of SkillsUSA: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Community, and Service.

"Get ready for the revival of the West Orange High School SkillsUSA Team!" enthused WOHS junior and SkillsUSA team member Charlotte Keefe.

"We are eager to dive back into the world of competitions," she continued.

"SkillsUSA opens doors for students to showcase their talents in career-centric challenges. We'll engage in competitions tailored to our interests and future career paths, with opportunities to secure scholarships, awards, and industry recognition, Keefe added.

Top row from left to right: Mr. Rudy Petrella - SkillsUSA Club Advisor, Alexa Regateiro (11th), Ayden Varkey (11th), Principal Oscar Guerrero, Augustine Korlie (11th), Cory James (11th), Amber Vasquez (11th), Mrs. Nancy Mullin, Supervisor of Career Education & Library Sciences

Middle row from left to right: Lousiana Castillo Alarcon (11th), Jennifer Fernandes (11th), Mariah DaSilva (11th)

Bottom row: Charlotte Keefe (11th)