Memorials, Recognition - AARP Tennessee Day -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Torrey Harris

Enacts a concurrent resolution commending Alabama SkillsUSA medalists and competitors for NLSC success, recognizing Olivia Parker and boosting CTE awareness and participation.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #recognition

Overview

HJR 298 is an enacted concurrent resolution by the Alabama Legislature recognizing and commending the SkillsUSA National Championship medalists and competitors from the Kevin Dukes Career & Innovation Academy (KDCIA). The resolution highlights the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) as the nation’s premier event for career and technical education, noting that the NLSC brings together more than 6,000 state champions competing in 115 skilled trades and leadership contests. The bill commends the Alabama students for exemplary achievement and leadership in the SkillsUSA competitions and extends best wishes for their future success. Special recognition is given to Olivia Parker for service as Alabama’s SkillsUSA Treasurer during 2024-2025.

Key Provisions and Provisions Highlights

Official commendation of Alabama SkillsUSA medalists and competitors from KDCIA who earned Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals across multiple divisions at the NLSC.

Specific medalist highlights include:

Gold medals in Opening and Closing Ceremony: Carlee Collins (Skyline HS), Cooper Jones (Skyline HS), Sarah Short (Skyline HS), Riley Middlebrooks (Skyline HS), Jaxon Giles (North Sand Mountain HS), Patience Daniel (North Jackson HS), Caelyn Pearson (Pisgah HS).
Gold medalists in Automated Manufacturing: Keegan West (Skyline HS), Brantley Davis (Skyline HS), Jillian Crownover (North Jackson HS); Bronze medalists in Automated Manufacturing: Ashton Potts (Skyline HS), Madalyn Hughes (North Jackson HS), Drake Gant (Pisgah HS).
Gold medalists in Career Pathway Showcase: Haisa Haislip (Skyline HS), August McKee (Skyline HS), Paisley Pritchett (North Sand Mountain HS).
Additional Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalists across CNC milling, CNC programming, Cosmetology, Barbering, Health Care Skills, Medical Math, HVAC, Esthetics, and related categories, representing students from Skyline, North Sand Mountain, North Jackson, Pisgah, Section, Woodville, and Scottsboro high schools.

Special recognition: Olivia Parker (Woodville HS) for serving as Alabama State SkillsUSA Treasurer (2024-2025).

The resolution frames these achievements as evidence of innovative, rigorous, and relevant programs in CTE and acknowledges students’ credentials, dual enrollment, and leadership.

Who Is Affected

Students from multiple Alabama high schools (notably Skyline HS, North Sand Mountain HS, Pisgah HS, North Jackson HS, Section HS, Woodville HS, Scottsboro HS) who participated in SkillsUSA competitions.

Kevin Dukes Career & Innovation Academy and its students/participants.

Alabama SkillsUSA program and its leadership.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduced: April 29, 2025, by Rep. Kirkland (House Rules).

Legislative progress: Reported from Rules and Rules in the two-chamber process; received by Senate May 1, 2025; enrolled in May 6, 2025; reported and concurred in both chambers.

Enactment: Enacted on May 14, 2025; enrolled and delivered to Governor around early May 2025; status shows enacted.

Impact and Implications

This is a ceremonial, non-fiscal resolution recognizing student achievement and promoting the value of career and technical education and SkillsUSA participation.

By publicly honoring these competitors, the bill aims to raise awareness of CTE excellence and may encourage broader participation and support for SkillsUSA programs in Alabama.

Bill