Athens High School students Starlette Johnson and Matalie Ortega recently spent a week in Washington, D.C., representing their campus and fellow students as part of the prestigious Washington Training & Leadership Institute.
Accompanied by Mrs. Tappan and Mrs. Cerrillo, the two Athens SkillsUSA members attended sessions focused on Career & Technical Education (CTE) advocacy and even met with Congressman Lance Gooden’s office to speak up on behalf of students like themselves.
When they weren’t learning and leading, the students explored some of the capital’s most iconic historic sites. Their trip included visits to the Lincoln Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, the Holocaust Museum, and Arlington National Cemetery — where they saw the changing of the guard and helped lay a SkillsUSA wreath. They even walked the House Floor at the Capitol.
“As advisors we couldn’t be more proud of these young ladies,” said Mrs. Tappan.
Athens ISD is proud to see students stepping into leadership roles and making their voices heard at the national level.