DAY 5: Second Day of Championships, Finals, and a Party in the Park

It was the second day of SkillsUSA National Championships in Atlanta, Georgia, and it was time for Parker to shine. From the practice on the night before, SHE - IS - READY. The purpose of her competition, Health Occupation Portfolio, is to recognize students for their successful development of a professional portfolio and to evaluate the ability of an individual to present himself or herself to an employer using effective communication skills.

During her presentation and interview, Parker highlighted her experience over the past few years including her Awards and Recognition, her Work Sample Documentation, her Community Service, and her Memberships and Affiliations. We won’t know the results until tomorrow night, but from the smile she showed after her interview, we can be proud of her.

As for the Opening and Closing Team, the big question the day before was — “Did they make it into the finals?” With a promise to not peek, the team agreed to rely on Parker to inform them when the list of finalists had been posted so that — together — they could all discover if they moved on. Once gathered in a quiet place in the convention center, their O & C coach, Mrs. McVicker read from the alphabetized list of competitors’ states. They groaned as they realized that there were so many states that started with the letter M. …Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, and then there were two N states. Nebraska and New York, and finally . . . would it be PA? “AAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAA!” Squeals and tears of joy filled the convention center floor as they heard the state name “Pennsylvania!!” The team made it to the finals!!!

After competition, it was time to return to grab a quick bite to eat and return to the hotel because tonight it was the SkillsUSA Champions Night in Centennial Park.

What’s Champions’ Night you might ask? Well — it’s a time when all of the state champions — because each of them ARE champions — gather for a night of fun. That’s all they are told. Of course, the questions follow and the answer: “You’ll find out!” This year, Champions’ Night consisted of approximately 20 food trucks offering everything from ice cream to Philly Cheesesteak Eggrolls and more! There were adult-sized inflatable games, a DJ and dancing, and a fireworks show! It was magical and a great way to blow off the stress of competition from the week!

AND it was Maylene’s birthday! Her day began with a caramel Starbucks and bagel, continued with frequent call-outs to SkillsUSA competitors as they traveled the mile trip to the convention center — “Hey everybody! It’s Maylene’s birthday!!” The Skills kids would call back, “Happy birthday!!” or “Wooo-Hooo!!” Who turns 18 away from home, is missing Mom and Dad, and is a little bit sad, but is serenaded by a few hundred of your newest SkillsUSA friends, “Haaaapyyy Biiiirrrrthdaaaayyy toooo youuuuu!”

Next stop — the service project in the morning and the awards ceremony in the evening!