One of the largest student organizations for career and technical education has once again recognized Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Career and Technical Education with one of its highest honors.
The BOCES 2 CTE SkillsUSA chapter has been named a 2025 Model of Excellence, marking the second time in three years the chapter has earned this prestigious distinction.
“Our SkillsUSA top 24 Models of Excellence schools represent the best in chapter achievement and community involvement,” said Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA. “These students are America’s future skilled workforce and future leaders in their local communities. It is a tremendous honor for these schools and their recognition validates these outstanding SkillsUSA programs.”
The Model of Excellence program emphasizes student-led initiatives and purposeful skill development. BOCES 2 CTE students demonstrated these principles through the planning, organizing and execution of the 2024 BOCES 2 CTE SkillsUSA Craft and Vendor Show — a major fundraiser held annually to offset conference costs for students attending the New York State SkillsUSA Conference.
The winning project highlighted students’ mastery of Workplace Skills, particularly in Planning, Organizing and Management. Through a yearlong effort, students organized a fundraiser that surpassed expectations: recruiting 102 vendors and CTE programs, bringing in more than 1,500 attendees, and raising $7,326 to support student conference participation.
“This project demonstrated real growth in our students’ initiative, collaboration and leadership skills,” said Jennifer Probst, BOCES 2 CTE SkillsUSA lead advisor and Dental Assisting teacher. “SkillsUSA Members applied essential career skills to plan and execute a successful event that highlighted talents across the CTE programs.”
“This recognition reflects the consistent effort and progress of our chapter,” Probst added. “It is rewarding to see students acknowledged not only for their hard work, but for the positive impact they made on their peers and community.”
For the 2024-25 school year, more than 275 students were members of the BOCES 2 CTE SkillsUSA chapter, participating in leadership development, community service and workplace readiness activities. Students were also eligible to compete in regional, state and national competitions.
“SkillsUSA provides BOCES 2 CTE students with the opportunity to apply technical knowledge while developing leadership and management skills essential for their future careers,” said CTE Principal Jon Koeng. “Earning the Model of Excellence award once again is a direct reflection of our students’ dedication, hard work and growth.”
The 24 SkillsUSA chapters selected as Models of Excellence will be recognized at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta from June 23-27. Chapter representatives will participate in interviews highlighting the project’s impact and its alignment with the SkillsUSA Framework. The top three chapters will be announced at the awards ceremony, with national recognition opportunities to follow.