On January 15th, Ethan D’Ambrosia from the Delaware Area Career Center's Engineering Program stepped into a leadership role as the newly elected SkillsUSA South Central Regional Officer. Ethan's journey began at the Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where he joined nearly 50 other officers from the state and five different regions for a week dedicated to leadership training. The training was intensive and aimed at equipping the students with the necessary skills to lead and serve their schools and the broader community. Among the attendees was Ethan, representing not just the Delaware Area Career Center but over 14 other schools in the region.
The week was punctuated with competitions where Ethan and his team participated in events like Opening and Closing ceremonies, Legislative Visits, Elevator Speeches, and the Goodwill Project, securing top-three finishes in several categories. These activities were complemented by educational outings to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. There, they engaged with legislators to discuss vital issues concerning the funding of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and learned about Perkins Funding.
This enriching experience culminated in Ethan, along with Zoey SanFillipo—a senior from DACC's Law Enforcement program and fellow State Officer—sharing their learnings and experiences with their peers. Their insights, drawn from both the competitions and educational visits, were shared at the student chapter meeting in January. Looking forward, Ethan and Zoey are set to lead the SkillsUSA Ohio - South Central Regional event at DACC on March 1st. Their leadership and achievements throughout the training week have not only enhanced their skills but also set a positive example for their peers, underscoring the value of dedication and engagement in leadership roles.