The following local educators earned the SkillsUSA National Statesman Award during the organization's Washington Leadership Training Institute held Sept. 20-24 in Washington D.C. * Demonica Jones of Royal High School * Dallas Bergstrom of Miller Career and Technology Center

The announcement was made in an October 17 press release from the Leesburg, VA, based organization. SkillsUSA, the #1 workforce development organization for students, awards its National Statesman Award to members—both advisors and students—who demonstrate strong SkillsUSA knowledge, civic awareness and the ability to articulate their career and technical education (CTE) experiences. "The statesman award affirms a SkillsUSA advisor's commitment to responsible leadership and civic awareness," said Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA. "It confirms their understanding of SkillsUSA's mission to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. A foundational component of our programming, the award represents the advisor's desire to help their students create a brighter future, not just for themself, but for our nation." To be eligible for the award, advisors complete coursework and certifications prior to attending the training institute in Washington D.C. While in-person, they engage in a variety of sessions, trainings and panels before culminating with a personal interview where they describe their CTE program and how it prepares students for the future, define the skills gap and how SkillsUSA helps address it, and discuss their personal goals. Preparing for advocacy visits is a core part of the Statesman Award, ensuring all members effectively represent SkillsUSA and CTE at the local, state, and national levels. Many advisors accompany their students to meet with elected officials, policymakers and legislative aids during their time in Washington D.C.

More than 400 SkillsUSA members representing nearly 30 states earned the award this year. SkillsUSA hosts its Washington Leadership Training Institute annually in September. About SkillsUSA SkillsUSA represents more than 440,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at skillsusa.org.