What is Skills USA?
One of Dinuba High School’s most prominent programs is Skills USA. The Skills USA program teaches students about the real world and prepares them to be leaders in industry careers. Skills USA offers a multitude of classes, such as:
- Life Management and Intro to ED (Education), taught by Mrs.Ritchie
- Criminal Scene Investigation, Criminal Justice, taught by Mr. Bray
- Accounting, Personal Finance, taught by Mr. Celum
- Construction Management 2 and 3, taught by Mr. Sanchez
- Social Issues Through Film, taught by Mrs. Kiehn
- Welding, taught by Mr. Hulsey
- Special Education Math and ELA, taught by Mr. Desilva
The classes taught by these teachers are wonderful examples of what education is supposed to be: a class that teaches students skills that can be applied to work and everyday life, giving students an introduction to what the real world will look like.
Mind Behind The Madness
The current Chapter Advisor for Skills USA in California is Nicole Ritchie. Mrs. Ritchie teaches Life Management and Introduction to Education. She has won California State Advisor of the Year for 2022-2023, was inducted into the SkillsUSA National Hall of Fame for Teachers, and appeared in a Netflix documentary about SkillsUSA, which showed students winning their competitions and getting to learn more about future jobs, whether it be filmmaking or welding. Competitions vary depending on the skill being tested. She is a wonderful teacher with a passion for teaching and has inspired countless students.
The Future of Skills USA
SkillsUSA is a central program at Dinuba High School and an important program in the school and the nation. It is a helpful program that prepares students for the future, whether it be life skills or work skills. Skills USA will teach you important skills either way. Skills USA is and will continue to be a vital program at Dinuba High School for years to come.
