SkillsUSA Opening & Closing Ceremony

Start to the Opening Ceremony

The officers walk in from the outside entrance to their respective places and remain standing.

President

(raps gavel twice)

The meeting will come to order. The thought for the day will be given by the (designated officer).

Designated Officer

(Gives the thought for the day and returns to their seat)

President

(Raps gavel once to seat officers)

The emblem is symbolic of the SkillsUSA organization. You are about to witness the Emblem Ceremony, in which the meaning of each component of our emblem will be given and the significance of the colors described.

(Raps gavel once, calls for an officer to come forward, and steps directly back).

The Shield

(Picks up the shield)

The shield represents patriotism. (Pause). The shield denotes our belief in democracy, liberty, and the American way of life.

(Places the shield, calls next officer, returns to seat)

The Gear

(Picks up gear)

The gear represents the industrial society. (Pause). The gear, symbolic of the industrial society, denotes the interdependence and cooperation of the individual working with labor and management for the betterment of mankind.

(Places the gear, calls next officer, returns to seat)

Torch

(Picks up torch)

The torch represents knowledge. (Pause). The flaming torch reflects the light of knowledge, which dispels the darkness of ignorance. In the light of the torch, progress will be made toward the vocational goals of the individual.

(Places the torch, calls next officer, returns to seat)

The Orbital Circles

(Picks up the orbital circles)

The orbital circles represent technology. (Pause). The circles represent the challenge of modern technology and the training needed to accept and master the challenges of new technical frontiers, and the need for continuous education.

(Places the orbital circles, calls next officer, returns to seat)

The Hands

(Picks up the hands)

The hands represent the individual. (Pauses). The hands portray a search for knowledge and our desire to acquire a skill. In the process of attaining knowledge and skill, we will develop a respect for the dignity of work and become productive and responsible citizens.

(Places the hands, calls next officer, returns to seat)

The Colors

(Moves to the emblem)

With the affixing of the golden hands, we add the final official color of SkillsUSA. The colors of the emblem represent our organization. Red and white represent the individual states and chapters; blue represents the common union of the states and the chapters, and gold represents the individual, the most important element of SkillsUSA.

(Calls for the president and returns to seat).

President

(Picks up the letters ”SkillsUSA” and places it on the emblem)

All components constitute our emblem. Separately, they could be applied to many organizations, but as one unit, they represent the fundamental principles and purposes of our organization. The emblem represents SkillsUSA.

(Returns to position, pauses, raps gavel three times for all to stand)

We will respect the flag with the Pledge of Allegiance.

All (in unison)

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

President

(Raps gavel once for all to be seated, proceed with agenda)

END OF OPENING CEREMONY

(Start to Closing Ceremony) President

Mister/Madame Secretary, have you a record of any further business to come before the meeting at this time?

Secretary

(Rises)

I have none, Mister/Madame President.

(Sits)

President

Does any member know of any new or unfinished business which should come before this meeting? (pause for response). Since there is no further business to come before the meeting at this time. We will prepare to adjourn. Since the rule is the basic instrument of our work, it is particularly fitting that we select the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” to govern our lives. Let us speak our pledge.

(Raps gavel three times on sounding block for all to rise, leads in reciting the pledge).

All (in unison)

Upon my honor, I pledge:

To prepare myself by diligent study and ardent practice to become a worker whose services will be recognized as honorable by my employer and fellow workers,

To base my expectations or reward upon the solid foundation or service,

To honor and respect my vocation is such a way as to bring repute to myself,

And further, to spare no effort in upholding the ideals of SkillsUSA.

President

I now declare this meeting adjourned until our next regular meeting or until a special meeting shall be called by your president.

(Raps gavel once).

END OF CLOSING CEREMONY