Shawsheen's Skill Building Org Celebrates Successes, Gives Back

The SkillsUSA team at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School is celebrating their 2023-24 successes and hoping to build on the momentum this school year.

The national nonprofit, SkillsUSA, works to prepare students for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. Its state and national competitions help students develop their trade, professional, and personal skills. Students from Shawsheen Tech compete at the district and state competition each spring and those who advance to the national competition have the opportunity to compete in Atlanta.

Shawsheen's 2023-24 team brought 16 students to nationals this summer and returned home with five medals, as well as many other strong performances:

• Cole Kelley – Gold Medal in HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration)
• Jasmine Johanson – Gold Medal in Nurse Assisting
• Alyssa Costantiello – Silver Medal in Basic Health Care
• Jonathan Hureau – Silver Medal in CNC Milling Specialist
• Isaac Schmidt – Silver Medal in CNC Turning Specialist

Cole Kelley is the first in Massachusetts history to bring home three consecutive HVACR golds! Shawsheen also debuted their Advanced Manufacturing program at the national level; both students who competed in this area earned silver medals in their competition category.

In addition to the medalists, all of Shawsheen’s competitors had strong performances. Autumn Halas placed 4th in Masonry, and Isabella Luis ranked 9th out of 20 in Graphic Communications. The Health Knowledge Bowl Team, composed of Addison Dunham, Nicole Hatch, Kylie Plowman, and Kylie McLaughlin, finished 9th out of 28 teams. The Entrepreneurship Team, made up of juniors Gianna Caruso, Ava Ferreira, Nicolas Palmerino, and Celia Vindice, placed 17th out of 30 with their innovative business model for a college-life app, showing great promise for next year.

“I am continually impressed by the skill, expertise, and success our students display, particularly at SkillsUSA competitions,” said Vocational Director David Norkiewicz.

After returning for the 2024-25 school year, the chapter reorganized, naming seven new officers:

• Nariah Oscar (Parliamentarian)
• Spencer Talbot (Ambassador)
• Devyn Donnelly (Historian)
• Carmella Deacy (Treasurer)
• Mackenzie Miller (Secretary)
• Karina Palencia (Vice President)
• Giana Manoloulis (President)

And, last month, the chapter held a holiday party to support local families in need this winter. Students, staff, SkillsUSA alumni, and community members came together for various different activities, including breakfast, crafts, cookie decorating, and caroling.

A visit from Santa made for a special treat, as he arrived on a firetruck and handed out personalized gift sacks for every child in attendance.

“Our school psychologist Tracy Lucci helped identify families in the community facing temporary displacement,” said Devyn Donnelly, SkillsUSA Chapter Historian at Shawsheen Tech. “This event was designed for those children and families, and our chapter worked with the state chapter and SkillsUSA Alumni to purchase gifts and supplies tailored to each child’s needs.”

These gift bundles, valued at over $100, included toys, school supplies, and warm outerwear made possible by contributions from the SkillsUSA Alumni and Friends Association, as well as fundraising by Shawsheen’s SkillsUSA students and advisors. The event supported 12 area families. One mother in attendance shared, “I cannot believe this. I am so happy because my kids are so happy right now.”

The chapter also hosted its annual Toys for Tots drive in collaboration with the Billerica Fire Department, collecting 321 toys.

These events highlight the multifaceted approach of SkillsUSA to help vocational students grow into strong professionals as well as caring community members.

Shawsheen Tech is now accepting applications for students entering ninth grade in fall 2025. Apply here.