A ‘Career Pathways’ signing event was held at West Hartford Town Hall.

West Hartford Public Schools celebrates SkillsUSA National Signing Day on May 14, 2025. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

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On May 14, 2025, the West Hartford Public Schools celebrated the inauguralSkillsUSA National Signing Day with a Career Pathways signing event. 

This nationwide celebration recognizes high school students committing to careers in the skilled trades. The event was organized in conjunction with the Town of West Hartford, the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and West Hartford Public Schools.

West Hartford Public Schools celebrates SkillsUSA National Signing Day on May 14, 2025. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

The event featured breakfast served by the Conard and Hall “Careers In Food” students under the guidance of Family & Consumer Science teachers Danielle Jurich and Michael Hughes.

This special event honored students taking their next steps toward promising careers in high-demand fields such as electrical, automotive, culinary arts, advanced manufacturing, construction, and cosmetology. Students were recognized for their commitment to entering apprenticeship programs, technical training schools, or directly joining the workforce.

West Hartford Public Schools celebrates SkillsUSA National Signing Day on May 14, 2025. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

More than 30 students were honored with plaques crafted by students in Mr. Wilkosz’s engineering classes at Hall and Mr. Truss’s woodworking classes at Conard.

West Hartford Public Schools celebrates SkillsUSA National Signing Day on May 14, 2025. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

At the event, students received words of encouragement from Superintendent Paul Vicinus, Real Estate Agent and West Hartford Public School alumnus Rob O’Meara, Career & Technical Education Department Supervisor Brian Cohen, and Conard student Cameron Brown.

“At West Hartford Public Schools, we take pride in our mission to prepare and inspire all students. This event is a powerful testament to that mission. We are proud to recognize and celebrate every student’s path – especially those choosing to pursue careers in the skilled trades,” said Vicinus.

West Hartford Public Schools celebrates SkillsUSA National Signing Day on May 14, 2025. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

In addition to honoring these students, the event featured West Hartford business owners from related industries who shared insights into their career journeys, and provided opportunities for students. Business participation included the DORO Restaurant Group, AC Automotive, O’Meara Real Estate, Modern Tire, Solany Skin & Wellness, West Hartford Solar, Coracora, and Ignite Med Spa, as well as Capital Workforce Partners, Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Town of West Hartford Building Division. They discussed work-based learning and professional development opportunities available to students pursuing careers in the trades. 

This event highlights the collaborative efforts of educators, industry professionals, and community members as they celebrated these remarkable students and recognized the vital role of skilled trades in strengthening our communities and supporting our economy. Congratulations to these amazing students on their career decisions in high-demand fields.

Organizers and participants look forward to this being an annual event.

West Hartford Public Schools celebrates SkillsUSA National Signing Day on May 14, 2025. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

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