PWHS senior Lilly Gordy enjoys role as State Officer for SkillsUSA

Look around at any regional or state SkillsUSA event and you’ll likely find Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PWHS) senior Lilly Gordy snapping pictures to document the moment. Last April, Lilly was elected as a SkillsUSA Pennsylvania State Officer, taking on the role of Reporter.

SkillsUSA is an organization that serves middle school, high school, and college students preparing for careers in technical, skilled, and service occupations. At Central Montco Technical High School (CMTHS), members of the popular club organize charity fundraisers, compete at the local to national level, and take part in leadership development activities.

A Baking and Pastry Arts student at CMTHS, Lilly saw SkillsUSA as a chance to grow beyond the classroom. 

“I ran for a state officer position because the organization changed my life for the better, and I hope I can inspire others to get involved,” said Lilly. “My year as a State Officer has allowed me to build my leadership skills, to meet new people, and most of all to learn time management skills. All of these skills will help me in my professional life.”

In her job as Reporter, Lilly uses photography to document activities and provide social media content that shows the breadth and excitement of SkillsUSA competitions and events. However, the State Officer team is also responsible for running many of these functions, as well. “I get to take photos, and it’s always exciting to see when my state director shares them,” she said. “But our roles are flexible, so I get the chance to jump in and do a little bit of everything.”

Lilly's future plans include building on what she's learned at CMTHS. She has been accepted into the Culinary Institute of America, where she will be studying Hospitality Management.