Arianna Shepherd and Avery Smith, students from Lexington-Richland School District Five, represented the Center for Advanced Technical Studies at the SkillsUSA Washington Leadership Training Institute.

Arianna, the current South Carolina state officer, and Avery, the current national officer, are seniors at Spring Hill High School and at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies.

During the conference, both gained valuable leadership and advocacy training, with the chance to earn the National Statesman Award.

Arianna was awarded the National Statesman Award and led several meetings with Nancy Mace’s office and Rep. Ralph Norman.

“Watching Arianna grow from a once quiet student into this amazingly talented leader and communicator has been a highlight for our chapter,” Advisor Joseph Chapman said in the press release. “She continues to not only seek ways to improve herself, but selflessly pours her heart and time into her fellow students, helping to mentor the next leaders that will come after her.”

Avery delivered speeches to fellow student leaders who attended the conference, facilitated training sessions and received the National Statesman Award.

Avery also became South Carolina’s first-ever national officer.

 “Avery continues to represent our chapter, our state, and now our nation in a way that ignites a passion in so many individuals,” Chapman said. “She has moved past the nerves and doubt that someone would naturally feel in her position and become a true leader among her peers, someone that so many look up to and strive to be like."