Optimist International Essay Writers had to write a 700-to-800-word essay on the topic “How optimism paved my road to success.” Twelve students competed in the contest, making BHS History since our school has never competed in a SkillsUSA District 9 competition.
Mr. Mike Merritte, coach for the winning team said, “Our initial competition took place on Saturday Feb. 22nd at Houston Community College Staff Campus. I’m very proud Galveston Ball High’s three-student team won the first-place plaque and was awarded gold medals. With their 1st place win, we have qualified for the SkillsUSA State Tournament in Corpus Christi, TX in April.”
Junior Rowan Catarino represented Ball High School proudly at the SkillsUSA at Stafford and enjoyed the experience. “Last Saturday, me and my group of three competed at SkillsUSA at Stafford College, competing within the category of Career Pathway Education & Training Services at District 9.
“For the first time, I competed in debate and won something. Although I feared that I lacked speech skills, I strengthened my abilities as I prepared to compete. Our poster’s topic, addressing social emotional learning to nonverbal students, emotionally touched the judge, as she found it advised teachers to implement SEL specifically towards nonverbal individuals.
“As a future educator, I aim to incorporate SEL learning into my classroom and will definitely have a SEL trifold like our competition poster. I thank Mr. Merritte and my Communication & Technology in Education class, as they gave us feedback and support. Corpus Christi is waiting for us!
Sophomore Angelina Martinez said “This experience was a first for me, and the school since this was the first SkillsUSA competition for us all, but it won’t be the last! It was a wild ride since we’ve never done this at Ball High. We didn’t know what to expect. I also want to thank my Communication and Technology in Education class for helping us every step of the way.”
Junior Tarris Woods III said he was “nervous to the point where I was nearly shaking before the competition while pacing back and forth when I was preparing my speech. It was my first speech event and where I’ve actually felt like I’d won something, even after years of playing football. I was at first hesitant about joining the competition as I’m not much of a talker, but in a Mr. Merritte way, he convinced me to join against my will not to. I’ve always been nervous to talk in public, not casually but professionally, but I believe that event helped me become a confident speaker professionally.”
