Royal ISD’s SkillsUSA Chapter achieved outstanding success at the District 9 SkillsUSA Competition, held throughout February at multiple locations across the Houston area, the district announced in a February 26 press release. Students earned numerous awards, medals, and trophies, with 44 students qualifying for the State Competition in Corpus Christi, scheduled for April 2-5, 2025.

Arts, Audio/Video Production

Royal ISD’s A/V students excelled in multiple contests, earning state qualifications in the following categories:

· Customer Service & Photography: Elisha Glover

· Advertising Design & Photography (General): Gabriel Velasquez

· Photography (General): Kimberly Pedraza

· Quiz Bowl Team: Elisha Glover, Gabriel Velasquez, Kimberly Pedraza, Jesus Argueta, Elizabeth Moreland

· Audio Visual Quiz Bowl Team: Kylee Brown, Leo Escobar, Josue Arciga, Alisha Shaji, Jennifer Everitt


Cosmetology

A milestone achievement for Royal High School, Esteban Carranza has been selected as a 2025-2026 District 9 Officer, a prestigious leadership role within SkillsUSA.

Royal’s Cosmetology students achieved top placements in several categories:

· Barbering: Emily Mendoza (1st), Rodrigo Gonzalez (2nd)

· Cosmetology: Esteban Carranza (1st), Annabella Parada (2nd)

· Esthetics: Arely Gonzalez (1st), Shaelyn Gamez (2nd), Vilma Martinez (3rd)

· Nail Care: America Palacios (1st), Liset Interiano (2nd)

· Cosmetology Quiz Bowl (2nd Place): Esteban Carranza, Maria Marin, Annabella Parada, Arely Gonzalez, Shaelyn Gamez, Liset Interiano, America Palacios

First-Place Job Exhibit Winners:

· Day & Evening Exhibit: Clara Garcia, Daisy Barrientos, Yuliana Castillo, Alejandra Sotela, Peyton Fontenot, Annabella Parada, Arely Gonzalez

· Fantasy Job Exhibit: Maria Lopez, Angeleen Lozana, Yadira DeLeon, Vilma Martinez, Chloe Scott

· Women’s Color & Cut: Esteban Carranza, Debby Moreno

· Men’s Classic Haircut: Emily Mendoza, Jaiden Wilkins

· Men’s Design Haircut: Rodrigo Gonzalez

· Braiding: Aydreanna Stamps, Jackyline Chavez, Unique Johnson, JaUnsae Johnson

· 3D Nail Art: Sarah Villanueva, Emma Garcia

· Flat Nail Art: Dayrin Aguilar, Natali Nino-Gomez, America Palacios, Shaelyn Gamez, Maria Marin


Machining

All four Royal Machining students received Superior Ratings and qualified for state:

· Alex Castillo

· Mateo Gonzalez

· Eric Hernandez

· Ayden Stamps


Engineering

Royal ISD’s Engineering program, one of the district’s newest offerings, is already making an impact. Alex Castillo and Donis Addison both advanced to the state competition.

“Royal ISD is incredibly proud of these students and their achievements in the District 9 SkillsUSA competitions,” said a district spokesperson in the release. “Their dedication and talent reflect the strength of Royal High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.”