LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Aug. 29, 2008) - Matthew Hale, a senior at Chopticon High School and a culinary arts student at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center in Leonardtown, has been elected as a national officer for SkillsUSA.
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers, high school students, and college students who are preparing for careers in a trade, or technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. It was formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).
Hale was named Region I Vice President during the SkillsUSA's 2008 National Leadership and Skills Conference held in Kansas City, Mo. during the summer.
To be considered as a national officer, students must be dedicated to SkillsUSA, posses excellent communication skills, display professionalism, be able to work well as part of a national team, and be able to handle one's self appropriately in many different situations, according to a school system spokesperson.
Hale is the son of Wayne and Laurie Hale of Mechanicsville.