Newark Public Schools Students Compete in Their First Electrical SkillsUSA Competition

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – Students from the Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design reached an exciting milestone on Saturday, March 21st, as the school participated for the first time in the Electrical SkillsUSA Competition, held at Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School.

Representing the school were students Edgar Steve Avila Natareno and Christopher Zamora-Delgado, who demonstrated their technical skills, preparation, and dedication in a competitive, real-world setting designed to showcase the next generation of skilled professionals.

Their participation reflects the school’s growing emphasis on hands-on learning and career-connected pathways aligned with industry standards.

“This milestone reflects the vision of our district to provide students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences that prepare them for college, careers, and lifelong success,” said Superintendent León. “Edgar and Christopher represented Newark Public Schools with excellence, and we are proud of their courage to compete and showcase their talents on such a stage.”

“Opportunities like SkillsUSA competitions allow our students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom in powerful, practical ways,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “We commend Edgar and Christopher for stepping forward to represent their school, and we thank the dedicated educators who continue to open doors for our students to explore high-demand career fields.”

“Participating in SkillsUSA provides our students with invaluable exposure to industry expectations and hands-on challenges that mirror real careers,” said Principal Soraia Mendes. “Edgar and Christopher rose to the occasion, and I am incredibly proud of their commitment, professionalism, and willingness to represent our school in this inaugural competition.”

The district also recognized the educators and staff who supported the students throughout their preparation, including teachers Eon London and Mary Wright, School-to-Career Coordinator Michael Chang, and Department Chairperson of Career and Technical Education Programs, Anthony Drejaj.

Their guidance and commitment helped ensure that students were equipped not only to compete, but to grow from the experience.

Participation in SkillsUSA competitions is part of Newark Public Schools’ broader commitment to expanding career and technical education opportunities, providing students with the skills, confidence, and exposure needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

The Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design is Newark Public Schools’ 65th school and one of several new schools that opened under Superintendent León’s leadership as part of the district’s historic 10-Year Strategic Plan. Opened in 2025 and located in the former St. James Hospital building, the school provides students with hands-on, career-connected learning experiences in architecture, interior design, and the skilled trades, including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. Developed in partnership with Pratt Institute and industry leaders, the school is designed to prepare students for college and careers in high-demand fields, with enrollment growing one grade level each year through its first graduating class in 2029.