At this year’s SkillsUSA® National Leadership and Skills Conference, amidst the buzz of innovation and student determination, one moment stood out for our CEO—a heartfelt conversation with two extraordinary students from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Dickson.
Representing their school in the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) competition, Valaria J and Jacob R, under the guidance of their advisor Bryan Johnson, showcased not just technical skill, but a depth of character and perseverance that left a lasting impression.
Their pride in their TETRIX® robot was unmistakable. Every wire, every line of code, every maneuver was a testament to months of dedication. They spoke passionately about the long hours spent preparing, the challenges they overcame, and the incredible growth they experienced. In just six months, their journey through USAR had already opened doors—multiple job offers, new career paths, and a sense of confidence that radiated from them.
Valaria’s story, in particular, struck a deep chord. Balancing full-time work while pursuing her Mechatronics Multi-craft Tech certification, she recently earned a promotion and a raise—direct results of the skills she honed through USAR. But it was her quiet strength that truly moved our CEO. She had recently lost a parent, and in a touching tribute, dedicated her competition logbook to their memory. Her resilience, her drive, and her heart were unforgettable.
Both students credited much of their learning to Pitsco Robotics Specialist, Tim Lankford’s TETRIX® videos, a testament to the power of accessible education and the spirit of self-driven learning.
As our CEO walked away from that conversation, he carried with him more than admiration—he carried inspiration. In Valaria and Jacob, he saw the future: bright, bold, and full of promise.