The Buckeye Union High School District is proud to announce that the SkillsUSA Tech Theatre program at Estrella Foothills High School has been named a 2026 SkillsUSA “Models of Excellence” program - the highest honor awarded to SkillsUSA chapters nationwide.
Selected from SkillsUSA chapters across the country, Estrella Foothills High School was recognized in the Technical Skills category as one of only 24 schools nationwide and one of just eight programs in the nation to receive distinction in its category. The honor highlights exceptional student achievement, leadership development and career-readiness through SkillsUSA programming.
The Models of Excellence program recognizes the successful integration of Personal, Workplace and Technical Skills into chapter activities through the SkillsUSA Framework. Chapters selected for this recognition demonstrate outstanding student-led initiatives, community involvement and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for future careers and leadership roles.
According to SkillsUSA, the Models of Excellence distinction honors chapters that exemplify student leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving through real-world application of technical skills. Students lead projects and activities while instructors serve as mentors, helping elevate classroom learning into meaningful workforce preparation.
The 24 selected chapters will be honored during the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta this June, where finalists will participate in interviews with a panel of judges.
SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis praised the honorees, stating, “Our SkillsUSA top 24 Models of Excellence schools represent the best in chapter achievement and community involvement. These students are America’s future skilled workforce and future leaders in their local communities.”
This national recognition shines a spotlight on the outstanding opportunities available to students at Estrella Foothills High School and reflects the continued commitment to career and technical education across the Buckeye Union High School District. Through programs like Tech Theatre and SkillsUSA, students gain hands-on experience, leadership development and industry-ready skills that prepare them for success beyond graduation.
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