RIVIERA BEACH, FL — SkillsUSA announced today that Inlet Grove Community High School is a national winner in the SkillsUSA Lowe’s Social Media Challenge. More than 3,000 students and 17,000 teachers make up the 18,000 “Skills” sections around the country, but only three schools, including Inlet Grove, were named winners of the challenge. Founded in 1965, SkillsUSA (formerly VICA or the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), serves high school and college students preparing for technical, medical and service careers.

As a winner, Inlet Grove – a Palm Beach County conversion charter high school — will receive an $8,000 cash award to complete an on-campus art and garden learning hub. In late 2015, students completed a three-minute video proposal, and promoted it on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media outlets Feb. 13 to 17 during SkillsUSA Week.

“I’m extremely proud of my students. They worked hard to distinguish themselves in the competition, and they did,” said Dr. Emma Banks, Inlet Grove’s Principal. “We are an A-rated high school with a 92 percent graduation rate. Nearly 98 percent of our graduates complete college or enter the military. Many of our kids are career-ready when they leave our school. In order to survive in the current economy, our young people need to be competitive. All of us at Inlet Grove are here to provide our students with a solid education to help them excel in the future,” Banks said.

“Instead of doing an informational video like the other schools, we decided to tell our story through rap music. It was fun to make and fun to watch,” said Web Design student Rakim Williams, who composed and performed the song. Williams was assisted by social media manager and fellow Web Design student Derico Jones, TV Production’s Terence Graham and Dieumitha Ferdelus, and Pre-Engineering’s Grayson Griner and Jorge Murilla, among others.

“It was a fantastic team effort,” said teacher and special project coordinator Diane Jacques. “We also received significant help from the Palm Beach Gardens Lowe’s store. We’re very appreciative to them for their ongoing support of our school and public education in Palm Beach County.”

Watch the students’ winning competition video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqA5Q-U0Pig

To arrange for a personal interview with Dr. Emma Banks or members of the competition team call (561) 767-1246 or send an email to: [email protected].

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