The Law Magnet Criminal Justice teams showcased their expertise and dedication at the Leadership and Criminal Justice SkillsUSA District 6 Competition, securing multiple top awards across various categories. Their success highlights not only their technical proficiency but also the critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills that SkillsUSA aims to develop in students pursuing careers in criminal justice and public safety.
SkillsUSA is a national organization dedicated to preparing students for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. The competitions challenge participants with real-world scenarios that law enforcement professionals face daily. These events require students to apply their classroom knowledge to high-pressure situations, demonstrating their ability to think on their feet, communicate effectively, and follow precise protocols- skills that will serve them well in future careers in law enforcement, forensic science, and legal fields.
The Law Magnet excelled in a variety of categories, earning top placements that secured their advancement to the state competition. In Forensic Science, Cynthia Camacho, Sophia Reyes, and Mariel Martinez secured 1st place, while Auset Harewood, Jailyn Mancillas, and Dayana Laguna earned 3rd place, showcasing their ability to analyze evidence and follow investigative procedures. The Felony Traffic Stop event, which simulates a high-risk law enforcement scenario, saw Ulises Medina and Julio Escobedo take 1st place, with Diego Ramirez and Alejandro Abeja securing 2nd place.
The Crime Scene Investigation team of Chan Nop, Cynthia Vega, and Jacklyn Parada (my mentee!) claimed 1st place, demonstrating their skills in processing crime scenes with precision and attention to detail. In the Building Search category, Penelope Trujillo, Miranda Acedo, Kimberly Hernandez Lazo, and Zoe Marentes placed 3rd, showcasing their ability to navigate and secure a structure while following law enforcement protocols.
Students also excelled in leadership and public speaking events, emphasizing the importance of communication in criminal justice careers. Adriana Bautista won 1st place in Prepared Speech, a competition designed to develop persuasive and effective public speaking skills. Meanwhile, Esmeralda Loredo, Allan Zamarripa, and Tais Funes secured 1st place in the Emblem Ceremony event, demonstrating their deep understanding of SkillsUSA’s core values.
The Opening and Closing Ceremony (OCC) team, consisting of Nancy Gomez, Hannah Castillo, Katherine Hernandez, Kimberly Rodriguez, Andrea Calderon, Kirby Aguirre, and Sophia Reyes, earned 1st place for their ability to analyze and present on ethical dilemmas and legal challenges in the workforce. The Chapter Business team, led by Kimberly Hernandez Lazo, Ulises Medina, Julio Escobedo, Ruby Alviar, Angel Alaniz, and Daniela Garcia, also secured a 1st place victory, emphasizing their leadership in organizational planning and teamwork.
Additional achievements included a 2nd place finish in the Criminal Justice Quiz Bowl, an event that tests knowledge of legal procedures and law enforcement policies, and state qualifications for Esmeralda Loredo and Tais Funes in Crime Scene Display, where participants demonstrate crime scene analysis techniques. Individual accomplishments included Jazira Salcedo’s 3rd place in Criminal Justice Individual and Kimberly Hernandez Lazo’s 2nd place in Customer Service, an event that focuses on interpersonal communication and problem-solving. Furthermore, Zoe Marentes was recognized for her leadership as a District Officer.
Reflecting on the team’s success, SkillsUSA President Mariel Martinez expressed pride in her fellow competitors:
“I’ve been in SkillsUSA all four years of high school, and it truly is just one big family. We are all there to cheer each other on and support each other in and outside of SkillsUSA. This year, the members really excelled in their competitions, and I’m so extremely proud of them. They all worked very hard and earned their way to the state competition. So excited to see how it goes!”
The Law Magnet competitors’ outstanding performances reflect their hard work, professionalism, and passion for the field of criminal justice while also continuing the tradition of Law Magnet excellence. Their achievements at the district level set a strong foundation for future success at the state competition and beyond, reinforcing the impact of SkillsUSA in preparing students for their future careers.
