Students from Papillion La Vista High School and Papillion La Vista South High School traveled to the state SkillsUSA competition last week, showcasing their technical skills and career readiness across an impressive range of disciplines. Competing in 22 different categories — from drone technology to esthetics — PLCS students brought home medals in ten of those events, a testament to the breadth and depth of their preparation.

SkillsUSA is a national career and technical student organization available to students at both PLCS high schools, offering participants the opportunity to develop hands-on proficiency in more than 100 skill areas spanning industries such as health science, technology, trade, and the arts. The organization emphasizes not only technical competency but also professionalism, leadership, and community engagement — qualities that help students become competitive candidates in the workforce or in post-secondary programs.

The state competition represents one of the highest-stakes opportunities SkillsUSA members face each year, requiring students to demonstrate mastery under pressure and in direct comparison with peers from across Nebraska. The range of categories in which PLCS students competed underscores the diversity of the program and the varied interests and talents of its members. By connecting students to real industry standards and business partnerships, SkillsUSA plays a key role in the district's career and technical education pathway — helping students move from exploration to expertise and into futures they are genuinely prepared for.