Cierra Runnels and Haley Sanchez, cosmetology students at NHS

Two Nacogdoches High School junior cosmetology students will visit Washington, D.C.for the Washington Leadership Training Institute conference next month as part of a National Career & Technical Education Week event held annually in the nation’s capital.

Cierra Runnels is a District 7 officer representing NHS in SkillsUSA along with Haley Sanchez, a workforce development organization for students. Cosmetology and other CTE programs at NHS participate in regional and state competitions hosted by SkillsUSA. The organization also offers a leadership component, and Cierra and Haley both qualified to represent Texas at the national event in September.

“It’s all about leadership and responsibility and representing CTE,” Cierra said.

Cosmetology teacher Jan Holland will attend the conference with the two students. It’s her second time to take a CTE student to the gathering.

“It’s a full week of activities,” Holland said, “and includes a lot of leadership tests. For example, the students will also be assigned Congressmen to visit as part of the week. It also teaches the students how to advocate for an industry license.”

With around 1,000 CTE students on hand, activities will include a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where a ceremony will include laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They will hold a similar event at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Students will also receive a behind the scenes tour of the Capitol building.

Each day begins early and the schedule will contain a number of events and activities until late in the evening. Cierra and Haley will be there to represent all CTE programs of study and Nacogdoches ISD.

“It truly is a trip of a lifetime for these students and even for myself,” said Holland. I get so much pleasure out of seeing the growth that the students receive after something such as this trip. I look forward to seeing what it can do for their futures, and we appreciate the school district allowing us to do such a trip.”