YUHSD to send 35 students across the nation for career and technical competitions

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Over two dozen Yuma Union High School District Career & Technical Education students from different Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) moved forward to their national competition.

Some students even finished at the top of the respective state conferences.

A total of 35 students across all YUHSD schools will travel to nationals in order to compete in 23 events.

“It’s amazing,” YUHSD Superintendent Gina Thompson said. “Our CTE programs have so much to be proud of, from their leadership development to their ability to bring so many state and national awards back home to Yuma County. When we talk about college, career, and community ready, these students are the prime example. Employers, you have the future of your companies going to school right here in your backyard.”

Following two years of virtual competitions or no competitions at all because of COVID-19, students are competing in their first in-person event since 2019.

This spring, YUHSD sent 521 students to state-level competitions across six CTSOs.

Future Farmers of America (FFA) will host its state conference in the summer.

"Going to Nationals was something I never thought I would be able to do, but now it's my second time going,” said San Luis High School senior Johana Cocio Gutierrez, who will travel to Educators Rising Nationals in Washington, DC. “Being in Educators Rising has been a learning experience, and I will take a lot from it. Being part of Ed Rising and being able to compete, show my knowledge, and represent San Luis High School, has been one of the best things that has happened to me.”

YUHSD shares the students from each CTSO who progressed to nationals and the location of the national conference in parenthesis:

Educators Rising (Washington, DC)

• Dominick Camacho (two events), Cibola, Exploring Administration Careers and Impromptu Lesson
• Valeria Vizcarra and Galilea Torres, Gila Ridge, Children’s Literature (Pre-K)
• Natalie Rosso, Destinee Bailey and Axiry Soto, Gila Ridge, ECE: Display of Theme Development
• Ahime Montanez, Iredi Cebreros-Corral, Emily Garcia and Faith Gaona, Kofa, Ethical Dilemma
• Max Schwitzing, Kofa, Impromptu Speaking
• Johana Cocio Gutierrez, San Luis, Job Interview

FBLA (Chicago, IL)

• Kassia Beard, Kofa, Introduction to Event Planning
• Diana Rodriguez, San Luis, Intro to Parliamentary

FCCLA (San Diego, CA)

• Jesus Torres, Cibola, Leadership
• Deijah Esquivel, Cibola, Culinary Math Management
• Rudy Garcia, Yuma High, Culinary Arts

HOSA (Nashville, TN)

• Alberto Bolanos, Cibola, Pathophysiology

SkillsUSA (Atlanta, GA)

• Asya Guillen, Cibola, Criminal Justice
• Catherine Yanez, Nathalie Corral Gonzalez and Arely Madrigal, Cibola, CSI
• Madelina Macaluso, Gila Ridge, Welding Sculpture
• Patrick Smith, Luis Jauregui and John McMahen, Gila Ridge, Career Pathway Showcase
• Samantha Dahin, Kofa, Prepared Speech
• Cassandra Dahin, Kofa, Extemporaneous Speech
• Geminis Gonzalez, Kofa, Customer Service
• Alberto Barraza, Kofa, Building Maintenance
• Peter Sanchez and Carlo Melendres, San Luis, Robotic Search and Rescue
• Angel Bogarin Perez, Manuel Bogarin Perez and Julio Cabrera Ledesma, Yuma High, Chapter Display