Last year, Davie High senior Jackson Barrett helped create a signing day to recognize students pursuing careers in trades and technical fields after graduation. On May 6, he finally took his own seat at the table.
Barrett joined three other members of Davie High’s chapter of SkillsUSA in the school’s Learning Commons for their second annual signing day. The War Eagle backdrop was set, faculty surrounded the students with pride, and, of course, a cake was shared to celebrate the students and their achievements.
Barrett initiated this tradition as part of a Davie Respect Initiative project, and this year, four seniors were recognized: Lanna Robinson, Meghan Clapper, Bryson Lantz, and Barrett himself.
“I really enjoy the SkillsUSA signing event,” Lantz said. “It gives the chance to honor students for their accomplishments and future plans. It has been tradition for athletes to get this treatment for committing to a college, but most people don’t get this kind of recognition.”
Robinson was the first to put pen to paper. Although the ceremony marked a major milestone for the senior, this was not Robinson’s first signing day, as she had committed to play soccer at Belmont Abbey earlier in the year. Robinson has been a member of SkillsUSA since her sophomore year, competing in medical terminology, and plans to pursue a career in the medical field. When asked if she had any advice for future Skills members, she encouraged them to “Be excited.”
“There are so many opportunities,” Robinson said, “and it’s such an important club for CTE here that I would just say get involved if you can.”
Similar to Robinson, Clapper found significant value in SkillsUSA’s learning opportunities. Since freshman year, Clapper has explored everything from drone piloting to pin design through SkillsUSA competitions. While Clapper has always been artistic, she said what drove her most toward graphic design was that it combined “[her] love of tech and art in one field.” She plans to attend Davidson-Davie Community College before transferring to UNC Asheville to study graphic design.
Lantz joined the club later than the others but still invested himself fully in it. Lantz serves as the club’s secretary and has been a member for two years, competing in a Skills Project Showcase for Engineering, Design, and related technical math. For Lantz, his affinity for engineering started young.
“I always enjoyed building things like LEGOs and computers,” Lantz said. “In elementary school, I was a part of a robotics club, which facilitated my interest further. CTE classes and clubs like robotics, drafting, and SkillsUSA solidified this interest in engineering.”
Lantz signed with NC State to pursue a degree in electrical engineering—and he’ll do it on a full ride. Lantz is the recipient of the Goodnight Scholarship, awarded to North Carolina high school graduates intending to major in STEM or STEM Education.
While the graduating members took various paths, Barrett found his strength in leading and supporting others. Since his freshman year, Barrett has strived to better the club and expand its opportunities. Over the years, Barrett has served as president and is currently the club’s social media manager. He competed in automotive basics and is planning to pursue a degree in Construction Management at UNC Charlotte. He reflects on the time he spent with the club fondly.
“My favorite memory was finally getting to win first in the state after years of competition,” Barrett said. “It’s a feeling unlike any other, getting to know that your hard work finally paid off.”
Although each student pursued different paths, all four credited SkillsUSA with helping them discover careers and other opportunities.
For Clapper, her advice for future students is straightforward: “If you know for sure it’s what you want to do, then what’s stopping you? Do what makes you happy.”
But for Lantz, this signing represented something larger.
“The SkillsUSA signing day is a relatively new tradition for Davie County,” Lantz said, “and I would love to see it grow and continue for years to come as it recognizes the unrecognized.”
Carden Stroud, Grace Carroll, and Lila Moore contributed to this article
