The Artesia High School SkillsUSA chapter has had a year full of achievements and growth, showcasing the dedication and skill of its students. The chapter kicked off the year with pride by ringing the victory bell at every home football game, symbolizing the richness in our community’s unity and spirit.

In January, officers from the chapter attended the CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) acknowledgement session during the state legislature, where every organization was recognized for their contributions to skills-based education.

The highlight of the year came in March, when 16 SkillsUSA competitors from Artesia traveled to the state conference. Students competed in a range of skills-focused competitions, including but not limited to welding, photography, plumbing, and carpentry. The competition proved successful for the Artesia chapter, with three standout performances. Seth Florez earned a bronze medal in HVACR, while Sergio Ortega secured a silver in Firefighting. The highlight of the event was Chance Boans, who brought home the gold in Automotive Service Technology, earning him the title of state champion.

Boans, alongside chapter advisor Luis Reyes, will represent Artesia High School at the SkillsUSA National Conference in Atlanta in June, where he will compete at the highest level.

This year’s success is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and talent of the Artesia High School SkillsUSA chapter, and they are excited to continue their journey to Nationals, eager to bring even more accolades home in the years to come.