HC 8006

                   House Commemoration 8006
Introduced by: Representatives Peterson (Drew), Emery, Goodwin, Heermann, Muckey, Roe, and Van Diepen and
Senators Crabtree, Duhamel, Hulse, Perry, Reed, Sauder, and Vilhauer
A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION recognizing February as National Career and
        Technical Education and National Career and Technical Student Organizations
        Month.
    WHEREAS, South Dakota career and technical education reaches more than 30,000
students in grades 7-12 and equips these students with essential skills such as adaptability,
motivation to grow, and a passion about an industry, alongside job-specific skills; and
    WHEREAS, South Dakota career and technical educators provide unique and hands-on
experiences that empower and prepare students to be leaders in their future careers; and
    WHEREAS, South Dakota career and technical student organizations enrich students with
opportunities for professional development, leadership, and industry-specific skills by
collaborating with educators and industry professionals; and
    WHEREAS, South Dakota career and technical student organizations continue to grow in
size and depth of programming, with current membership numbers including 6,500 FFA
members, 500 Future Business Leaders of America members, 1,300 HOSA-Future Health
Professionals members, 500 SkillsUSA members, 600 Educators Rising members, and 1,600
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America members; and
    WHEREAS, South Dakota career and technical student organizations continue to inspire
young leaders to explore diverse career paths within their respective organization by traveling
the state and visiting other chapters, by providing leadership lessons, and by connecting with
industry professionals to help bridge the gap between the classroom and professional careers;
   NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the One Hundred First Legislature of the
State of South Dakota, that February is recognized as National Career and Technical Education
and National Career and Technical Student Organization month.