Henrico, VA – From April 4th to April 6th, ACE students demonstrated their exceptional talents at the SkillsUSA Virginia competition held in Roanoke, Virginia. SkillsUSA Virginia is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure Virginia has a skilled workforce. The organization helps each student excel through the development of personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics.
The event brought together students from across the state to compete in various categories, showcasing their expertise in fields such as health sciences, construction, information technology, and more. This competition provided a platform for students to gain valuable experience, network with industry professionals, and earn recognition for their hard work.
From our TV Media, Radio Broadcasting, Graphics Communication, and Cosmetology programs, our students proudly represented our school at the 2025 SkillsUSA Virginia State Leadership Conference in Roanoke, VA. This annual event brings together some of the most dedicated and skilled Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from across the state to showcase their industry knowledge, creativity, and leadership through hands-on competitions—and our students did not disappoint.
TV Media: Lights, Camera, Awards! Our TV Media students competed in two challenging contests: Digital Cinema Production and Video News Broadcast (Live)—and earned 3rd place in both categories!
Digital Cinema Production: 3rd place - Londyn Lacey-Terrell and Lilly Russell
Video News Broadcast (Live): 3rd place - Mekhai Harris-Leeper, Samuel Graine, Jaelah Higgs, Addison Cornell
Radio Broadcasting: Voices That Lead Our Radio students competed in the Audio Production team event, where pairs of students plan, write, record, and edit a 60-second radio public service announcement (PSA) using professional software and voice techniques. The goal? To deliver a polished, engaging message that informs and resonates with listeners. We’re proud to announce that our radio teams earned both 1st and 3rd place in this category! The 1st place team will now advance to represent Virginia at the National Leadership & Skills Conference this June in Atlanta, Georgia.
Audio Production: 1st place - Jordan Gathers and Elijah Johnson; 3rd place - Justin Brown and Amna Abdalla
Graphics Communication: Creativity That Transfers Students from our Graphics Communication program competed in Sublimation, a process that involves transferring high-quality printed images onto materials like t-shirts, mugs, or signage using heat and pressure. The competition tests design skills, attention to detail, and technical accuracy from start to finish. Our team brought home a 3rd place finish, proving their eye for design and mastery of the sublimation process.
Sublimation: 3rd place - Daisy Rasor
Cosmetology: Beauty with Precision Our Cosmetology students competed in two specialized areas—Nail Care and Esthetics—which focus on professional techniques in skincare, nail art, and client service. These events require a strong grasp of hygiene, safety, and artistic skill, all performed under the careful eyes of industry judges.
We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated, competed, and represented our school with excellence and professionalism. Their achievements speak volumes about the strength of our CTE programs and the hard work they put in every day. Special thanks to the instructors and advisors who supported and guided them throughout the competition.
Let’s cheer on our Audio Production 1st place team as they prepare to take the national stage this summer!