Smith elected national officer of SkillsUSA
Warwick, R.I. – July 11, 2007: Community College of Rhode Island student Kristen J. Smith of Warwick was elected as a national officer for SkillsUSA at the National Leadership and Skills Conference held recently in Kansas City, Mo.

Smith, a general studies major focusing in early childhood education, plans to transfer to the University of Rhode Island after she earns her associate degree next May. She will pursue a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and plans to obtain a master’s degree in child psychology.

Smith has been involved in SkillsUSA for five years and served as R.I. College Division President from 2005-06. Last academic year, she served as president of the Student Government at the CCRI’s Knight Campus. She also is active in Delta Epsilon Chi; this year the chapter was one of 12 in the country that received the Presidential Award for outstanding work in professional development, community service, civic consciousness and vocational understanding.

 Smith has four siblings, a niece and a nephew and says her house is always chaotic and full of excitement. “Being such an active person has taught me how to balance what is important and a great deal of time management,” she said. “Being so active has made me a better person and I learn something new every day and I hope to continue to learn daily.”

Smith works as a photographer for Lifetouch Portrait Studio and previously worked with 3-year-olds at a local preschool and taught ESL to girls in a summer camp program.

She also has volunteered with West Warwick Police Youth Mentors, the West Warwick Soccer Association and the Providence Rescue Mission, among others.

Also at the National Leadership and Skills Conference, Joseph Moore of Providence, a business major at CCRI, placed in the top 10 in extemporaneous speaking and Jennifer Gay of Cranston, who will study dental assisting at CCRI this fall, placed in the top 10 in the dental assisting contest.