24 November 2025
The SkillsUSA Delcastle Chapter launched a new tradition this year: the Day of Thanks, an event dedicated to celebrating and appreciating the shop representatives who help support SkillsUSA’s mission throughout the school year.
During all lunches, students gathered in the cafeteria and were greeted with homemade hot chocolate crafted by the Delcastle Culinary Arts team. As they enjoyed their treat, members wrote thoughtful notes of gratitude that will be delivered to their CTE teachers.
The idea for the Day of Thanks came directly from the SkillsUSA Executive Board, who wanted to start the year by uplifting the students who serve as ambassadors for their career programs.
“It was important for our SkillsUSA chapter to host a Day of Thanks because our shop reps do so much for us—from helping at events to promoting what we do,” said Emily Ortiz, Chem Lab ’26. “We wanted to show genuine appreciation. I hope it brings our school community closer and reminds everyone that even small gestures can make a big impact.”
For some student leaders, the event was also about making sure shop representatives felt confident and supported as they prepare for the year ahead. “Our members are getting ready for a busy year of service and competition, so we wanted to make sure they felt supported from the very beginning,” shared Marcos Leon Gonzalez, Technical Drafting ’26.
Others expressed pride in recognizing the effort and commitment these students bring to the chapter.
“It shows that their hard work is appreciated and valued,” said Kamora Jones, Digital Media ’26. “I hope this Day of Thanks is the stepping stone to more events that show how important every member is—they are the foundation of SkillsUSA.”
Meaningful Moments and Community Building
When asked about what stood out most during the event, Executive Board members reflected on the genuine connection they witnessed:
“The camaraderie between our members impressed me, especially since they haven’t been together that long as a group,” said Marcos.
“The moment that stood out to me was seeing our members and shop representatives write their thank-you notes,” shared Jessica Sanchez, Digital Media ’26. “You could tell they really meant what they wrote.”
“I was impressed by how everyone acted with kindness—serving hot chocolate or writing messages from the heart,” added Carmen Mestre Tlacuatl, Digital Media ’26.
Connecting Back to the SkillsUSA Mission
The Day of Thanks wasn’t just an act of kindness—it was a direct reflection of SkillsUSA’s core values.
“We are trying to build a strong sense of community within our chapter,” said Marcos. “This helps set the foundation for that part of the SkillsUSA mission.”
“Day of Thanks connects with SkillsUSA because it represents leadership, service, and gratitude,” added Carmen. “It helps us build a stronger community within the chapter.”
A New Tradition Begins
With meaningful moments, student leadership, and community at its core, the first-ever Day of Thanks was a success. The Executive Board hopes this tradition will continue to grow and strengthen the bonds within the SkillsUSA Delcastle Chapter for years to come.
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What Is SkillsUSA?
SkillsUSA is a national career and technical student organization (CTSO) that empowers students to become skilled professionals, responsible citizens, and strong leaders. With more than 400,000 members nationwide, SkillsUSA connects classroom learning with real-world experiences through leadership development, technical training, and career-focused competitions.
At Delcastle, SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to:
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Develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills
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Serve their school and community through meaningful projects
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Compete in local, state, and national career and leadership events
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Build confidence, professionalism, and career readiness
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Join a supportive network of peers, teachers, and industry partners
SkillsUSA is a key part of Delcastle’s mission to Serve, Empower, and Transform, helping students grow into leaders who make a difference in their future workplaces and communities.