OU BOCES CTE teams finish first in state SkillsUSA competition

Two teams of Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) students finished in first place at the virtual the New York State SkillsUSA competition last month.

The winning Crime Scene Investigation team consisted of (CTE) seniors Lillian Menichiello of Marlboro High School and Gabriella Suriel and Mariannie Matos, both of Valley Central High School. The three are students in the Law Enforcement program.

This year the team had to process a crime scene that involved an assault with a knife. The students worked together to photograph the scene. Then they secured all measurements of the scene including the location of the various pieces of evidence. They dusted and developed fingerprint evidence, collected DNA evidence, and they secured other pertaining pieces of evidence. They completed a sketch of the scene, an evidence log, a photo log and they submitted a detailed supplement report based on their investigation. The New York State Champions will compete in Nationals in June.

Anjali Panchum, a senior from Pine Bush High School, and her model Daniela Zepeda, a senior from Middletown High School, were state champions in the Esthetics competition. Anjali had to complete a facial and a fantasy make-up design. The facial is broken down into different sections including cleansing, analyzing, exfoliating, mask and massage. The second part was the fantasy make-up section. The theme was “Carnival” this year. Students were scored on creativity, safety and sanitation. The pair are now preparing for nationals in June. 

Samantha Reeder, a junior from Port Jervis High School who is currently enrolled in the Aviation program at CTEC, was officially elected vice president of Area IV while attending the 2021 state delegate session. Through this position, Sam plans to build connections and develop her social skills. Sam's dedication and attention to detail made her a perfect candidate for vice president.

OU BOCES was also named a CEP (Chapter of Excellence Program) Chapter of Distinction Gold Award recipient during the virtual awards ceremony.

CEP recognizes achievement as it relates to the integration of the SkillsUSA Framework in chapter program of work activities. As a chapter’s yearly action plan, the program of work is at the heart of student learning and employability development. By using the Framework as a guide, chapters have a blueprint for creating relevant activities that encourage participation and foster an understanding of student learning attained during each activity.

This conscientious approach gives added meaning to the valuable experience gained by students in the planning, organization and implementation of activities. Most importantly, this approach actualizes SkillsUSA’s mission to “empower members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens” on the chapter level.

Skills USA is a partnership of students, teachers and industries working together to ensure that America has skilled workers. Skills USA’s mission is to empower its members to become excellent workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. The national organization promotes leadership, lifelong learning and dignity of work. The local chapter focuses on teamwork, character development through skills and competition and community service. Each spring, selected students have the opportunity to compete against other New York State CTE students in their career area.