The Buckeye Union High School District announced on May 8 that the SkillsUSA Tech Theatre program at Estrella Foothills High School has been named a 2026 SkillsUSA “Models of Excellence” program, which is the highest honor awarded to SkillsUSA chapters nationwide.
Estrella Foothills High School was selected in the Technical Skills category as one of only 24 schools across the country and one of just eight programs in its category to receive this distinction. The award highlights student achievement, leadership development, and career-readiness through participation in SkillsUSA programming.
The Models of Excellence recognition is given to chapters that demonstrate successful integration of personal, workplace, and technical skills into their activities using the SkillsUSA Framework. These chapters are noted for student-led initiatives, community involvement, and hands-on learning experiences designed to prepare students for future careers and leadership roles.
According to SkillsUSA, this distinction honors chapters that exemplify student leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through real-world application of technical skills. Students lead projects while instructors serve as mentors who help elevate classroom learning into meaningful workforce preparation.
The selected chapters will be honored during the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta this June. Finalists will participate in interviews with a panel of judges during the event.
SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis said, “Our SkillsUSA top 24 Models of Excellence schools represent the best in chapter achievement and community involvement. These students are America’s future skilled workforce and future leaders in their local communities.”
This national recognition highlights opportunities available to students at Estrella Foothills High School and reflects an ongoing commitment to career and technical education throughout Buckeye Union High School District.
