On February 21st, Verrado’s SkillsUSA teams made their way to regionals, and the passion and hard work they continuously dedicate to their classes certainly shined through. In particular, the Film and TV team put their all in the competition, and reaped the benefits, securing gold and silver medals!

The team won silver in Broadcast Video Production, and gold in the Opening and Closing Ceremony. The film team’s talent continuously shines through each year, earning medal after medal. However, there’s more to these victories than the obvious hard work they commit to each competition.

Ava Cassidy, a junior who’s been competing in SkillsUSA since her freshman year, explains how teamwork contributes to the continuous success of Verrado’s film team.

“I think the most important aspect is collaboration! We have all been working with each other for a long time, so we all know how we think and work. Teamwork is the number one most important thing in SkillsUSA and my team is incredibly good at it!”

Ivy Brown, a junior and SkillsUSA state vice president who has also been a part of the competition since her freshman year, also believes that the collaboration between the Film team’s members is what makes them so successful.

“The most important aspect of my competition team is really how well we trust each other and can come together when it’s time to be judged. We trust each member of our team so much that we can easily divide and conquer, but we are also able to work together really well when it’s time to compete.”

There isn’t any success if a team can’t collaborate well, which isn’t a problem for Verrado’s Film team. The chemistry between the members who have known each other for so long is very apparent and is an integral part of their success.

Cassidy then revels in the importance of these awards, explaining their significance beyond a college resume boost.

“It feels so good! [To win]. Going up on stage in front of everyone and getting medaled is one of the best feelings ever. Getting recognized for all the hard work and dedication we’ve been putting into preparing for our competitions feels amazing.”

Brown appreciates the honor that comes with the award, and also looks onwards to the state competition, describing the team’s aspirations to make it to nationals.

“It feels great to win, knowing that my whole team and I will move on state. We are excited to continue to practice until state to hopefully move onto the national competition.”

The emotion that comes with these monumental victories is certainly deserved, as the Film team continues to dedicate their time and energy to SkillsUSA. With such determination, it’s almost inevitable that the team will achieve some kind of reward each year.

If Verrado’s Film team keeps up their team camaraderie, dedication to their work, and passion for the art that is film, they will no doubt see further success. We look forward to celebrating our Vipers as they move onto state, and hopefully nationals!