PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, August 29, 2008

Zina McGowan-Thomas, Public Information Officer, 301-475-5511, ext. 193

HALE ELECTED TO NATIONAL OFFICE

LEONARDTOWN, MD – Matthew Hale, a senior at Chopticon High School and a culinary arts student at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center , has been elected as a national officer for SkillsUSA.

Hale was named Region I Vice President during the SkillsUSA’s 2008 National Leadership and Skills Conference held in Kansas City, MO, during the summer.  Being a national officer is one of the highest honors a student can achieve in SkillsUSA.  To be considered as a national officer, students must be dedicated to SkillsUSA, possess excellent communication skills, display professionalism, be able to work well as part of a national team, and be able to handle one’s self appropriately in many different situations.

SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers, high school students, and college students who are preparing for careers in a trade, or technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. It was formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).

Hale is the son of Wayne and Laurie Hale of Mechanicsville, MD.