Whittier Tech Junior Nationally Recognized at SkillsUSA Washington Leadership Training Institute

Whittier Tech junior Natalie Delano attended the SkillsUSA Washington Leadership Training Institute to develop professional, communication and leadership skills, and was nationally recognized for her exemplary knowledge of the SkillsUSA Framework. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to share that Whittier Tech junior Natalie Delano attended the SkillsUSA Washington Leadership Training Institute to develop professional, communication and leadership skills, and was nationally recognized for her exemplary knowledge of the SkillsUSA Framework.

Natalie Delano, a junior from Haverhill studying Health Assisting, attended the SkillsUSA Washington Leadership Training Institute from September 23-27. The four-day conference is designed to help students develop their professional skills, and included a visit to Congress on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

Delano, who was elected as the SkillsUSA MA Historian for the 2023-24 school year, was awarded the SkillsUSA National Statesman Award at the WLTI for her demonstration of knowledge and civic awareness, understanding of the SkillsUSA Framework and ability to articulate her personal experience in career and technical education.

The WLTI conference included training for students and advisors on personal and workplace skills; a panel discussion about effective legislative visits with experts from the U.S. House of Representatives; a tour of Washington, D.C., monuments and museums; a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Rally; and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery and the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

During their visit to Congress, students spoke with elected officials or their staff members about their education paths and CTE training programs, the value of career and technical education, and the benefits of their SkillsUSA participation. Discussions explained how today's workplace requires that employees have career readiness skills, and that SkillsUSA develops these skills in students of all ages and backgrounds.

"I am so grateful that I was able to participate in this experience, and not only represent SkillsUSA Massachusetts, but also Whittier Tech! Washington was an experience I will never forget, and I am so lucky to have such a supportive team that has helped me along the way," said Delano.

"Natalie is a student that continuously demonstrates her willingness to learn and grow, and her dedication to her academics and professional growth is evident by her participation in SkillsUSA and attendance at the Washington Leadership Training Institute," said Superintendent Lynch. "We are excited to see what she accomplishes in the future!"

Natalie Delano shakes hands with Captain Eric Johnson, who gave students a tour of the Air Force, Navy, and 9/11 memorials at the Pentagon. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

Students at the Washington Monument in Washington D.C. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

Students visited Congress as part of the Washington Leadership Training Institute. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

Students at the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis, left, and Natalie Delano. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)