ST. JOHNSBURY - Two St. Johnsbury Academy seniors were honored by being asked to lead the SkillsUSA State Conference.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and professionals in the industry working together to provide a skilled workforce in America.  The organization promotes programs that are designed for each student to excel in professional careers. Skills USA hosts competitions and workshops for a wide variety of trades from nursing to precision machinery.  Students can enter competitions and are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals.  Medal winners then move on to regional and national competitions.

This year's state conference featured workshops designed to help participants improve their leadership and workplace skills.

Jonathon Inamura and Tyler Newell, both of St. Johnsbury campaigned for executive board positions.

Jonathon was elected as the chapter Historian, and is responsible for taking photos, videos and capturing moments from the conference.  Tyler assumed the treasurer position and feels he is a good fit for this position is based on his great math skills.

Tyler says, "To me, my strength is being a leader and taking charge and wanting people to follow in my footsteps and being able to lead people in the right direction."

Jonathon and Tyler are currently enrolled in St. Johnsbury Academy's Culinary Arts program, which is operated out of the student run restaurant, The Hilltopper.

Jonathon Inamura enjoys being a part of SkillsUSA and says, "I think that being a part of Skills has helped me improve my food and beverage service out there at the restaurant."

This is both the students' first year participating in Skills USA.  The Fall Conference was held at the State House in Montpelier this past November.

For more information, you can visit the SkillsUSA website.