Nationals! from the advisor perspective....

As I look back at the week at Kansas City for the SkillsUSA National Competition I can without a doubt say it was one of the most powerful experiences I have had as an educator and one that was most impactful to me personally and also for my students.

Alyssa Ailion was competing in the Graphic Communications competition and Olivia Goodall was competing in Screen Printing Technology both representing Georgia. The girls have worked very hard in preparing for the competition and will be a memory that I am sure they will never forget.

It was truly overwhelming how much industry support was represented at the convention center and all over the downtown streets as several were blocked off for the event. Lowes, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Stanley, just to name a few of the more prominent ones and hundreds of others I have no idea the cost, but this was a multi-million event to orchestrate. Over 90 competitions, most held in one gigantic center that seemed to spread for several city blocks all under one roof. It is a site that would make anyone's jaw drop.

We not only came to compete, but were able to network with others from around the country and share ideas as students met with each other from around the country as well. We were able to tour a little as I got to go on a tour of the Kansas Speedway and also participate in the Champions Run, a 5K race that helped me do a little exercise while being out of town. We got to go to an amusement park, a teen festival and just had a great time.

The Graphic Communications competition as well as the Screen Printing competition were both run extremely smoothly, very professional, top notch equipment, supplies, tools, etc. It was without a doubt a site to see. For Graphics computers were setup up, 6 Heidelberg Quickmasters, cutter, 2 folders were set up for the contestants to use. Screen Printing as well had pretty much a full "lab" 2 presses, exposure units, washout booth, scoop coaters, etc. etc.

I am so proud of Alyssa and the work ethic that she has is truly commendable. The hours she put in after school during the month of June (as she mentions in her blog) paid off as she took 2nd in the nation. She and the 1st place winner were 7 points apart (out of 1000), the 3rd place winner was around 75 points away. It was a very challenging competition. Not a bad way to end your high school career.

I was also proud of Olivia who took 10th in the nation in Screen Printing. It was a very intense competition as well. I hope to make the trip out here next year as well.

Every Technology educator needs to experience an opportunity to participate in SkillsUSA Nationals at some point in their career. It will be something you will never forget. To the Technology educators out there, ...If not Nationals, at least get your students involved locally in SkillsUSA, for leadership development, regional competitions, and their professional development. I see it as a tremendous disservice to our students to NOT encourage them and be a part of SkillsUSA.

Give the students an opportunity and allow whoever chooses to rise to the top and help them do it! That's why we do what we do!

I look forward to seeing many new advisors jump on board as we get into a new school year with new opportunities for both students and educators for both personal and professional development.

Dan Campagna


Dan Campagna, NBCT
Graphic Arts Teacher
Walton High School
1590 Bill Murdock Rd.
Marietta, GA 30062
770-578-3225 ext. 290
daniel.campagna@cobbk12.org