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New Jersey SkillsUSA Hall of Fame Welcomes Gert Silsby in Recognition of Decades of Service

New Jersey SkillsUSA Hall of Fame Welcomes Gert Silsby in Recognition of Decades of Service

Nicholas Spiech, OCVTS

MAY 10, 2024

New Jersey SkillsUSA Hall of Fame Welcomes Gert Silsby in Recognition of Decades of Service

Trenton, New Jersey- In a heartfelt ceremony held on April 28th at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, Gert Silsby was honored with induction into the New Jersey SkillsUSA Hall of Fame. The recognition comes as a testament to her unwavering dedication and substantial contributions to the SkillsUSA Association over the years.

A Journey Through SkillsUSA
Gert Silsby's journey with SkillsUSA began in 1985, back when the organization was known as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA). Her initial role was that of a helper at the Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s (OCVTS) Navy Lakehurst Center, but she quickly expanded her involvement to much larger responsibilities. Over the decades, Gert has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of countless young professionals by judging local, regional, and state competitions, as well as serving as a judge at the National Action Skills competition.

Beyond Judging
Gert’s commitment to SkillsUSA extends well beyond her judging duties. She has been the coordinator for OCVTS's yearly participation in SkillsUSA, handling everything from national and state registrations to contest entries and bus assignments. Her organizational skills are also evident in her preparation of the now-famous “Grab and Go Bags” for all off-site competitions, ensuring students are always ready and equipped.

Her meticulous nature further shines through in her management of uniform storage and distribution, demonstrating an unmatched level of dedication to the logistical needs of the organization. Moreover, serving as the "Chief" Administrative Assistant to the OCVTS Skills District Administrator and acting as a liaison between OCVTS and the New Jersey SkillsUSA team, Gert has been the glue holding many parts of the organization together.

A Pillar of the Community
Perhaps one of the most endearing images of Gert is of her overseeing the day's schedule from her official chair in the hotel lobby during the SkillsUSA National Leadership Conferences—a position she secured by virtue of being the earliest riser. Her role as the "Historian" for OCVTS Skills underscores her deep connection and long-standing service, marking her as the oldest participant in the program at OCVTS.

What is SkillsUSA?
SkillsUSA is a vital organization that partners with students, teachers, and industry leaders to build a competent American workforce. Through competitions and rigorous training, it helps students excel in their chosen fields. The mission of SkillsUSA is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible citizens, enhancing the quality of America's future skilled workforce by developing a range of essential skills.

A Legacy of Dedication
The Hall of Fame award presented to Gert Silsby reads, “In recognition of your years of hard work and dedication in building the New Jersey SkillsUSA Association.” It is a fitting tribute to a woman whose life's work has been deeply intertwined with the betterment of technical and vocational education for the youth of New Jersey. Gert’s legacy is not just in the administrative tasks she managed so adeptly but in the lives of the students she helped mold into skilled professionals ready to take on the world.



About Ocean County Vocational Technical School
Ocean County Vocational Technical School provides an intensive and immersive educational experience aligned with the current and emerging demands of business, industry, and advanced education. We instill the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for students to experience success in entering the workforce, advancing along a career pathway, and achieving career aspirations. Please visit www.ocvts.org to learn more.

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MAY 10, 2024

New Jersey SkillsUSA Hall of Fame Welcomes Gert Silsby in Recognition of Decades of Service

Trenton, New Jersey- In a heartfelt ceremony held on April 28th at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, Gert Silsby was honored with induction into the New Jersey SkillsUSA Hall of Fame. The recognition comes as a testament to her unwavering dedication and substantial contributions to the SkillsUSA Association over the years.

A Journey Through SkillsUSA
Gert Silsby's journey with SkillsUSA began in 1985, back when the organization was known as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA). Her initial role was that of a helper at the Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s (OCVTS) Navy Lakehurst Center, but she quickly expanded her involvement to much larger responsibilities. Over the decades, Gert has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of countless young professionals by judging local, regional, and state competitions, as well as serving as a judge at the National Action Skills competition.

Beyond Judging
Gert’s commitment to SkillsUSA extends well beyond her judging duties. She has been the coordinator for OCVTS's yearly participation in SkillsUSA, handling everything from national and state registrations to contest entries and bus assignments. Her organizational skills are also evident in her preparation of the now-famous “Grab and Go Bags” for all off-site competitions, ensuring students are always ready and equipped.

Her meticulous nature further shines through in her management of uniform storage and distribution, demonstrating an unmatched level of dedication to the logistical needs of the organization. Moreover, serving as the "Chief" Administrative Assistant to the OCVTS Skills District Administrator and acting as a liaison between OCVTS and the New Jersey SkillsUSA team, Gert has been the glue holding many parts of the organization together.

A Pillar of the Community
Perhaps one of the most endearing images of Gert is of her overseeing the day's schedule from her official chair in the hotel lobby during the SkillsUSA National Leadership Conferences—a position she secured by virtue of being the earliest riser. Her role as the "Historian" for OCVTS Skills underscores her deep connection and long-standing service, marking her as the oldest participant in the program at OCVTS.

What is SkillsUSA?
SkillsUSA is a vital organization that partners with students, teachers, and industry leaders to build a competent American workforce. Through competitions and rigorous training, it helps students excel in their chosen fields. The mission of SkillsUSA is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible citizens, enhancing the quality of America's future skilled workforce by developing a range of essential skills.

A Legacy of Dedication
The Hall of Fame award presented to Gert Silsby reads, “In recognition of your years of hard work and dedication in building the New Jersey SkillsUSA Association.” It is a fitting tribute to a woman whose life's work has been deeply intertwined with the betterment of technical and vocational education for the youth of New Jersey. Gert’s legacy is not just in the administrative tasks she managed so adeptly but in the lives of the students she helped mold into skilled professionals ready to take on the world.



About Ocean County Vocational Technical School
Ocean County Vocational Technical School provides an intensive and immersive educational experience aligned with the current and emerging demands of business, industry, and advanced education. We instill the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for students to experience success in entering the workforce, advancing along a career pathway, and achieving career aspirations. Please visit www.ocvts.org to learn more.

New Jersey SkillsUSA Hall of Fame Welcomes Gert Silsby in Recognition of Decades of Service

Nicholas Spiech, OCVTS

MAY 10, 2024

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