Snohomish High School students launch Washington’s first SkillsUSA varsity letter

SNOHOMISH — Two years ago, two students at Snohomish High School noticed something was amiss with the varsity letter awards.

Sports, community service, robotics and other activities were represented — but one category was missing.

“Elizabeth (Bogen) and I were talking about the clubs one day — about how you can letter in band, you can letter in theater, but you can’t letter in Skills,” Remus Fox-Bailey said. “We just decided to make it happen.”

Skills is short for SkillsUSA, a nonprofit that aims to prepare students for careers in the trades, the arts, in technology and communication. The group, which has multiple chapters in every state, sponsors local, regional and national student competitions. Thousands participate.

About 30 students belong to the Snohomish High School chapter.

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