by Elizabeth Reed, assistant editor

Every year students from all different classes, ranging from animation to Audio Video Production, prepare for SkillsUSA, an event that tests the craftsmanship of students in their selected categories.

First-timers sophomore Leonor Castro and senior Matt Barnes entered into the short film contest at district as partners where they were given limited amount of hours to shoot and create an effective short film. Successfully, they placed third, allowing them to move onto state.

“[State] was really fun, it was like a big party,” Castro said. “It’s during the school week and you’re getting a break, near the beach, in a hotel with all your friends.”

Since Castro and Barnes did not place at State, they were required to take a test on TV/Camera operation.

Barnes was surprised by the differences of state in comparison to district.

“It was a lot bigger,” Barnes said. “There were more people from different schools, more diverse.”

Though Barnes will have graduated by next year, Castro plans on going to SkillsUSA to strive for further success.

“Hopefully, next year I will place higher and make it to state again,” Castro said.

Castro and Barnes were just a fraction among the students from A&M Consolidated High School who made it to state. Many students placed successfully in various sections at state. The full list of CSISD students who placed at SkillsUSA State can be found here.