The Shadow Ridge High School Forensic Science Program earned a prestigious second-place finish at this year’s SkillsUSA competition in Reno, showcasing the students’ expertise and dedication to the field of forensic science.
Held annually, SkillsUSA is a national competition that brings together the brightest students in various trade and technical disciplines. This year, the event in Reno attracted top talent from across the country, with participants competing in a range of categories including automotive, culinary arts, and forensic science. The Shadow Ridge team’s impressive performance in forensic science highlighted their skillset in crime scene investigation, mapping, evidence analysis and critical thinking under pressure.
The competition simulated a real-life crime scene, where teams were tasked with searching and packaging evidence. Students were evaluated on their ability to perform thorough and accurate investigations, their teamwork, and their ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly and effectively.
Katherine Puppe, a junior and SkillsUSA team member said, “I feel like I was able to show case my skills a lot during the competition. Though I especially got to use my communication and presentation skills, which I’ve been improving on this year.”
For the Shadow Ridge team, the road to Reno was paved with months of preparation, long hours of practice, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Their dedication paid off when they were awarded second place, marking a significant achievement for both the students and their instructor.
Mr. Stahlke, the forensic science instructor, said, “I am very proud, there are so many great schools and programs represented there.”
The team’s success is also a reflection of the growing importance of forensic science education in high schools. As students continue to show a keen interest in careers within criminal justice and law enforcement, programs like the one at Shadow Ridge are providing valuable training that prepares students for the demands of these fields. 
Stahlke said, “The competition is basically everything that students do as a FSI. It really reinforces everything we are learning in the program.”
This second-place finish adds to the growing list of achievements for the Shadow Ridge forensic science program, which has been consistently recognized for its excellence. The program provides students with a unique opportunity to dive deep into the world of forensics, using both scientific methods and investigative techniques to solve complex problems.
Looking ahead, the team is already setting its sights on next year’s competition, eager to continue building on their success and furthering their passion for forensic science. With their work ethic and drive, it’s clear that Shadow Ridge’s forensic science program has a bright future ahead.
Puppe commented, “I believe that our SkillsUSA teams will improve, especially with the amount of dedication that our advisors put in. There’s always room for improvement, and I’m sure that next year’s teams will be just as invested as the ones we had this year.”
