Team Delcastle Sets the Standard: Record Membership, Record Competitors, Record Impact

At Delcastle Technical High School, participation is more than a number. It is a reflection of culture, commitment, and leadership.

For the 2026 Delaware SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference (SLSC), Team Delcastle is making history with record SkillsUSA membership, the largest number of competitors in Delaware, and the most contests entered statewide.

This year, 199 Delcastle students will compete across dozens of career pathways, representing leadership development, skilled and technical sciences, and occupationally related contests. From Automotive Technology and Construction to Health Careers, Cosmetology, Digital Media, and Culinary Arts, Delcastle students are stepping onto the state stage prepared, professional, and ready to lead.

As Delaware celebrates its second consecutive year of record membership — with more than 1,200 registered members statewide in SkillsUSA — Delcastle continues to lead the way.

Leading Delaware in Membership and Competition

Delcastle’s record participation reflects a schoolwide commitment to excellence in Career and Technical Education. Students are not only mastering technical skills in their shops and labs, but also developing the leadership, communication, and professionalism required by today’s workforce.

By entering the highest number of competitions in the state, Team Delcastle demonstrates both depth and breadth, ensuring students across multiple career areas have access to competitive, industry-aligned opportunities.

This level of engagement is the result of dedicated advisors, strong industry partnerships, and a student culture that embraces growth beyond the classroom.

Breaking New Ground: First-Time Competitions

The 2026 conference also marks a milestone year as Delcastle enters four competitions for the first time:

Chapter Display

A comprehensive presentation highlighting chapter structure, leadership development, service initiatives, and overall impact.

Outstanding Chapter

A recognition of chapter-wide excellence, evaluating membership growth, community engagement, leadership programming, and alignment with the SkillsUSA Framework.

Community Action Project

A focused initiative centered on measurable community impact and student-led service.

Employment Application Process

A contest designed to strengthen employability skills through resume development, professional documentation, and interview preparation.

These new entries signal a chapter that is evolving — expanding beyond individual contests to showcase full organizational strength and student leadership.

A First for Delaware — And Our Freshmen

This year also marks the debut of Delaware’s newest state competition:

Career Choice Display and Commentary

Designed exclusively for ninth-grade students, this competition introduces freshmen to SkillsUSA through career research, visual presentation, and public speaking.

This is the first time that Delaware has developed a SkillsUSA competition specifically geared toward ninth graders, creating an early pathway for leadership development and competitive readiness. Delcastle is proud to participate in its inaugural year, reinforcing our commitment to exposing students to opportunity from the very start of their high school journey.

This initiative builds confidence, strengthens communication skills, and lays the foundation for future state officers, national competitors, and industry professionals.

The Road to Nationals

Students earning first place at the state level will be invited to represent Delaware at the National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, June 1–5, 2026.

While medals are certainly celebrated, the true measure of success at Delcastle goes beyond rankings. It is reflected in students who take risks, step into leadership roles, refine their professional skills, and represent their school with integrity and pride.

The Delcastle Difference

Team Delcastle’s record participation is not accidental. It is the result of intentional leadership, advisor mentorship, strategic planning, and a culture rooted in growth. At Delcastle, SkillsUSA is more than a competition. It is a platform for students to serve their community, empower one another, and transform their futures.

Team Delcastle – 2026 SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference

Competitor Roster by Contest