High School students from across the Dysart Unified School District traveled to several states this summer en route to international competitions through their Career and Technical Education programs.

High marks in state competitions allowed students to participate on the national stage.

All four high school Distributive Education Clubs of America groups attended the International Career Development Conference competition in Orlando, Fla.

Students participated in networking events with students from other states and countries and learned valuable information to bring back to their DECA clubs.

Valley Vista High School and Willow Canyon High School both won the School Based Enterprise Gold Certification plaque. Shadow Ridge High School won eight competency awards, sixth place in Virtual Business Enterprise for Retailing, and ninth place in Virtual Business Enterprise for Fashion.

DECA is a student organization that supports the development of marketing and management skills in career areas such as hospitality, finance, sales and service, business administration and entrepreneurship.

Shadow Ridge and Willow Canyon students from the Graphic Design CTE program competed at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta.

This event brought together thousands of students, instructors, business partners, and administrators and celebrated the accomplishments of those preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, and was an opportunity for students to showcase their talents and skills on the national level.

Shadow Ridge participated in pin design and Willow Canyon competed in the arts and communications, Interactive Application and game design events, and earned seventh place in the areer pathways competition.

SkillsUSA is a Career and Technical Education partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.

Dysart High, Shadow Ridge and Willow Canyon attended the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Dallas June 20-25.

The event focused on leadership, professional and technical skills, educational seminars, workshops and exhibits presented by professional partners that provide Information about current healthcare issues.

Willow Canyon lab assisting and sports medicine students participated in the Health Care Issues Exam, and the Mental Health Promotional Team.

Dysart High sports medicine students also participated in the healthcare issues exam and alumni Alyssa Blanford won the Bronze Barbara James Service Award for her volunteer hours and commitment to community service in health.

Shadow Ridge participated in the HOSA Quiz Bowl which provides members with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills on various topics and situations in health, current health topics, HOSA, and parliamentary procedure.

HOSA is a student-led organization that seeks to empower students to become leaders in the global health community, through education, collaboration and experience.