Surprise school's SkillsUSA chapter bestowed honor

Willow Canyon High School SkillsUSA Chapter has been named a SkillsUSA Model of Excellence for 2024 in the technical skills category.

The annual program recognizes the exceptional integration of personal, workplace and technical skills into chapter activities. Being selected as a Model of Excellence is the highest honor bestowed on chapters by SkillsUSA. Members of the WCHS Chapter were presented with the award at the 2024 National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.

“Our SkillsUSA top 24 Models of Excellence schools represent the best in chapter achievement and community involvement,” said Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA. “These students are America’s future skilled workforce and future leaders in their local communities. It is a tremendous honor for these schools and their recognition validates these outstanding SkillsUSA programs.”

This is the fourth time in the WCHS Chapter’s 10 year history that they have received the honor.

Amy Morrison, Willow Canyon graphic design teacher and SkillsUSA advisor, also took a top honor.

Morrison was presented with the Hall of Champions Award during the Opening Session of the Conference. The Hall of Champions Award is bestowed upon those who dedicate their lives to helping students develop the components of the SkillsUSA Framework.

“Amy has been successfully involved with SkillsUSA for many years and she has made huge contributions to career and technical education in Arizona,” Travis said. “She is the first to say her involvement in SkillsUSA is both life-changing and rewarding.”

SkillsUSA’s mission empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. That mission is accomplished through the SkillsUSA Framework of personal skills, workplace skills and technical skills grounded in academics, which is integrated into classroom curriculum.