Melissa High School had 32 students participate in the SkillsUSA State Conference, held in Corpus Christi from April 2-5, 2025. Of these 32 students, 17 earned medals, and one team advanced to the National Conference.
The Entrepreneurship Team—Shlok Chaubey, Venkata Naga Sai Aniketh Chivukula, Jansen Morales, and Sai Venkata Sri Suvan Vajjaha—earned 1st place out of approximately 17 teams and will represent Melissa High School at the SkillsUSA National Conference in Atlanta, GA, from June 23–27, 2025.
CTE teacher and MHS SkillsUSA Advisor Rachel Nelson reflected on her time at the state conference:
“This was my first year as the SkillsUSA adviser and first time attending the state conference. I am in awe of all the talent that was displayed, knowing many high school students are ready to go straight into the workforce. I watched students speak, present, and demonstrate their academic skills. I saw welding and construction projects, photography, t-shirt design, animation, and video game design, while also watching chefs cook and design exotic cakes, students cut and style hair and nails, and others perform traffic stops. It was amazing! I am so proud of our Melissa students and grateful they have access to this kind of opportunity.”
SkillsUSA participation at Melissa High School is led by Rachel Nelson, with coaching support from Doug Bingman, Keith Ellis, Rick Gagarin, Randy Kramen, and Tom Kyle. The program is overseen by Hallie Venner, Director of CTE & Health Services. Thank you to all the CTE teachers and coaches who have worked with our SkillsUSA students to fine-tune their skills for competition season.
Congratulations to all of the SkillsUSA participants and teachers!
SkillsUSA State Results
Entrepreneurship (Team) - 1st Place & National Qualifier
Shlok Chaubey
Venkata Naga Sai Aniketh Chivukula
Jansen Morales
Sai Venkata Sri Suvan Vajjaha
Entrepreneurship (Team) - 2nd Place
Medhasvi Durki
Sheetal Kiran
Indresh Krishnamoorthi
Aashritha Nerella
Information Technology Quiz Bowl (Team) - 2nd Place
Nathan Goodman
Jace Little
Anthony Montalta
Sanyuri Puri
Sushmitha Puvvula
Sebastian Quintana
Skylar Scott
Related Technical Math - 3rd Place
Aneesh Thoram
2D/3D Animation Job Exhibit - Superior Rating
Juliette Thomas
Engineering Job Exhibit - Superior Rating
Tanush Avula & Sai Venkata Sri Suvan Vajjaha
Technical Testing: Medical Assistant - Gold Medal & Certificate
Ellie Thompson