Cierra Runnels and Haley Sanchez got a taste of the nation’s capital in September. And now they’re eager to go back.
Cierra and Haley – juniors in Nacogdoches High School’s cosmetology program – were representatives at the Washington Leadership Training Institute conference that was part of the National Career & Technical Education Week event held annually. Cierra and Haley – along with NHS cosmetology teacher Jan Holland – won the National Statesman’s Award.
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 qualified to represent Texas at the national event.
“It was eye opening,” said Cierra. “I would love to go back.”
While the two students – and cosmetology teacher Jan Holland – were in town for just a few days, they participated in a remarkable number of events, including meeting with congressional staff, tours of the White House and Capitol, and visits to the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Library of Congress and Arlington National Cemetery.
“It was just such a great experience,” Haley said.
As part of the congressional visits, Cierra and Haley and other CTE students pressed for support for the Perkins Act, federal legislation that helps guide money into career and technical education programs like the ones offered at Nacogdoches High School.
“Don’t be afraid to talk about it,” said Cierra. “I didn’t think I’d be able to do that, or that I’d get to talk about. But you just push it.”
“These are important leadership skills that are taught to and demonstrated for these students, then they get to go put them into action,” said Holland. “These are wonderful opportunities for high school students to see a bit behind the scenes of how government works. They get a chance to participate in the process.”
Cierra and Haley hope to return next September. They’ll get a chance to go through the qualification process once more next spring during SkillsUSA area and state contests.
They’re also thankful for the financial support from NISD that’s required to make the trip.
“We’re grateful for [high school principal] Mr. Croft, and for the school board, for allowing us to go,” Cierra said.