New Tripoli resident Geneva Orth is chasing a long-held dream to work in criminal justice. “It’s always been something that I took an interest in, ever since I was very little,” she said.

Along with other high school students selected at their technical schools, New Tripoli resident Orth recently participated in the Feb. 4 SkillsUSA competition at Ag Hall in Allentown and was rewarded for her efforts.

According to her grandfather, Leonard J. Marzano, she won first place in the Criminal Justice category and was awarded a scholarship to Northampton County Community College.

“I’m planning on accepting the scholarship,” said Orth, a homeschooled high school junior. “I’m looking to go into law enforcement or the military, the Marines. I’m still trying to decide.”

The family is no stranger to SkillsUSA competition.

“My youngest son participated last year and the year before in carpentry and heavy equipment operation,” said Geneva’s mother, Jen Orth.

“I’ve always wanted to do it,” said Geneva. “My teacher, Mr. Hummel, selected me and another girl from the same class.”

The event is a unique event that includes 62 hands-on skill and leadership competitions.

“It’s such a great opportunity for the kids to showcase their skills and everything that they learned,” said Jen Orth, who attended the event.

“I was amazed at all the different categories represented at the competition, from cosmetology to carpentry to criminal justice.”

Geneva was one of hundreds of students to compete at the SkillsUSA District Championships at the Agri-Plex, showcasing the technical skills, leadership, and professionalism they’ve worked hard to develop.

“[It’s] a nice accomplishment for a 16-year-old who is also an equestrian,” said her grandfather.

The event welcomed parents, educators, industry partners and community members to watch the competitions and support the students as they put their skills to the test.

“The state police were actually there [evaluating] each student’s abilities,” said Jen Orth. “They had to do a traffic stop involving a drunken driver. Another [scenario] was a domestic dispute. They get graded on all those things.”

“I also had to submit a resume and take a written test,” Geneva added.

SkillsUSA has been sponsoring the event supporting students, strengthening industry partnerships, and building a skilled workforce for the last 40 years.

Joining Lehigh Career and Technical Institute were other participating schools, including Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School, Career Institute of Technology, Monroe Career and Technical Institute and Upper Bucks County Technical School.

Geneva has high praise for the program at LCTI.

“The teachers are really good, and the subject matter is interesting,” she said. “There’s a good balance between hands-on and written material. LCTI is amazing.”