Greater Lawrence Technical School SkillsUSA Chapter Succeeds at State Leadership and Skills Conference

ANDOVER — Superintendent John Lavoie is pleased to share the recent success of Greater Lawrence Technical School’s (GLTS) SkillsUSA chapter. 

From May 1-3, GLTS students and staff attended the annual SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Leadership and Skills Conference in Marlborough. The event, which is the state’s largest celebration of career and technical education, brought together over 2,500 students, educators, and industry leaders, showcasing excellence in skilled trades and leadership.

SkillsUSA is a workforce development organization for students that works toward inspiring students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members.

The conference featured a wide range of activities, including opening and closing ceremonies, leadership workshops, and the SkillsUSA Championships. In the championships, students participated in hands-on competitions that tested both technical expertise and leadership skills across multiple career pathways. 

11 GLTS students earned placements in the competition: 

• Julissa Sanchez was crowned State Champion in Medical Assisting.
• Zachary Deroche, Thomas Kotas, Michael O’Sullivan, and Nicholas Marshall won bronze medals for the Teamwork Team.
• Yolyana Baez, Sophia Evans, and Alicia Mejia-Pimental earned bronze medals for the Career Pathways Showcase: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources.
• Kelsey Lynch earned a silver medal in Baking and Pastry.
• Kayla Lynch earned a silver medal in CNC 5-Axis Milling.
• Kyaraliz Melendez earned a silver medal in Prepared Speech.

The SkillsUSA chapter is led by Co-Advisors Audra Durkin and Michael Ouellette. At the beginning of the year, the chapter decided it wanted to focus heavily on leadership development. Through support from career coaches, engaging workshops, and unique competitions such as SkillsUSA, students received a comprehensive education that prepares them for life beyond education. 

“This has been a remarkable year for our SkillsUSA chapter, which has met and exceeded every expectation they have set for themselves,” said Superintendent Lavoie. “Their commitment to furthering their education in the interest of preparing for a life after high school is a testament to the strength of the opportunities our career and technical education programs.”