In a recent government meeting, community members gathered to reflect on the tragic passing of TJ Perry, a beloved basketball coach and director of player development at Sanford University. The meeting opened with a moment of prayer for Perry's family and friends, highlighting the impact of his loss on multiple communities. Perry's mother, Nancy, was recognized for her contributions as a custodian at Skyline High School, where he had also coached.

Following the tribute, the agenda was approved, leading to a celebration of local students' achievements in the SkillsUSA program. This year marked a record-breaking performance for the program, with students qualifying for national competitions in Atlanta. Notably, the meeting acknowledged the accomplishments of 28 medalists since the program's inception in 2001, including the first-ever national champions from the sophomore class.

Drew McNutt, a representative from the SkillsUSA program, praised the hard work and dedication of the students and instructors involved. He highlighted the collaborative effort that went into creating a chapter display, which showcased the students' skills and creativity. The display was a product of over 300 hours of work from various programs within the school.

The meeting also featured recognition of individual medalists, including gold medalists in prepared speech and CNC machining, as well as silver and bronze winners. The instructors who guided these students were commended for their commitment to fostering talent and preparing students for future endeavors.

As the meeting progressed, attention shifted to the second budget hearing, where officials discussed the allocation of funds and the importance of transparency in the budgeting process. The meeting concluded with a call for continued support for the SkillsUSA program and its role in shaping the future of local students.