Submitted to the Nevada Department of Education Reflector
April 19, 2015
Nevada Needs YOU.
That was message delivered to record numbers of highly-skilled innovators, communicators, problemsolvers, and creators at the 2015 Nevada SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference.
“You matter,” said keynote speaker, Douglas Erwin of the Economic Development Authority of Western
Nevada (EDAWN). Erwin’s presentation often elicited laughs from the red-blazered crowd for his goofy
graphics and depiction of himself as a geeky kid whose interests ran more to computers and
snowboards than school. But his message of entrepreneurial thinking was clear.
“Nevada is facing unprecedented growth in the coming years and our success will depend on your ability
to pair your technical skills with what I call “human skills” to find inventive solutions to new challenges.”
The conference, held April 14-17 in Reno, showcased the exceptional talents of nearly 1,100 high school
and college students from across Nevada. Students competed in fifty leadership and skill-based contests
which included information technology services, manufacturing, nursing, television production, culinary
arts and many others.
“It was my first time and I loved the awards ceremony on where everyone chanted and showed their
school spirit,” said freshman Serene Townsell from the Academy of Arts, Careers & Technology.
Townsell competed in Job Interview and earned a silver medal in Customer Service but thought the
opportunity was good for eveyone. “Even if you didn’t win, you got to meet people from all over the
state and the judges gave you tips to improve your skills.”
Record numbers of industry partners also got involved, recognizing the conference as an opportunity to
connect with Nevada’s future leaders. “As participating professionals, we have first contact with the
best and brightest of the next generation as we seek to find qualified employees,” said Nate Hudson,
education director for the American Institute of Architects in Northern Nevada (AIANN). AIANN was
joined by other organizations such as Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Starbucks, Renown Health
Network, Associated General Contractors and IGT.
After two-days of heated competition, nearly 450 medals were awarded to students during closing
ceremonies. Notable wins included Kelsey Hicks, WCSD Reed High School senior, who earned her third
gold medal in Sheet Metal and the election of the 2015-16 state officer.
Recognition awards were also given to business partners, educational leaders and outstanding advisors.
Mr. Fausto Vega, construction technology teacher from East Career & Technical Academy, was named as
Advisor of the Year. Five others were recognized as Outstanding Advisors who go above and beyond in
service to their programs and SkillsUSA: Ms. Trisha Benson of East Career & Technical Academy, CCSD;
Mr. Michael Bowers of Spanish Springs High School, WCSD; Chef Philip Dell of Rancho High School,
CCSD; Ms. Brenda Hitchins of Northwest Career & Technical Academy, CCSD; and Mr. Matt Mayhood of
Foothill High School, CCSD.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators,” said Duke Golden, IGT Production Manager. “We are
fortunate to have the opportunity to tap into their appetite for technology and, in collaboration with
SkillsUSA, provide pathways to highly skilled careers.”