Kofa named National Model Of Excellence
High school honored for its work with city of Yuma
Kofa High School’s SkillsUSA chapter was recently named among the top 24 SkillsUSA chapters in the U.S. as a “Model of Excellence” this week, Kofa’s student leaders are participating in a conference to compete for finalist standing among those 24 chapters.
Kofa High School’s project this year involved their welding students working with the city of Yuma’s Clean and Beautiful Commission to develop a “Welcome to Yuma” sign. The students developed the design and fabricated the large metal palm trees and the sun, and it was installed a few weeks ago at the corner of 32nd Street and Avenue B, one of the city’s main corridors.
The national program recognizes the exceptional integration and application of personal, workplace and technical skills in SkillsUSA chapter activities, according to a news release from the Yuma Union High School District. It is one of the highest awards bestowed on chapters by SkillsUSA, which is among the largest student organizations for career and technical education.
“The Models of Excellence program represents the very best in chapter achievement and community involvement,” said Timothy W. Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA. “The Kofa High School chapter defines excellence across the board, serving as a model for other chapters to emulate in strengthening their local programs. These students represent our future workforce and reflect the future of their communities. What a tremendous honor that validates this outstanding SkillsUSA program.”
Student leaders attending the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Ky., this week (June 19-23) will compete in finalist interviews, attend an awards dinner at the Kentucky Derby Museum, and receive recognition at an awards ceremony in front of more than 12,000 students, instructors and business leaders.
The Kofa High School chapter will also receive a grant of up to $4,000 from program sponsor Lowe’s Companies Inc.
“This is the third year Lowe’s has supported this program, and we are honored to be part of it,” said Troy J. Dally, Lowe’s senior vice president, general merchandising manager, seasonal and services. “These students are an amazing group. They possess the skills that every employer seeks, including leadership, initiative, communication, teamwork and problem solving. Their teachers and advisors take the education of these students to the next level by elevating it from classroom instruction to successful application and fulfillment.”
The Models of Excellence program promotes the intentional learning of personal, workplace and technical skills outlined in the SkillsUSA Framework for student development. Specific characteristics defined within each skill area help ensure tangible benchmarks for student achievement and chapter programming.