The moment was intense for Jonathan Almodóvar. The pinnacle of competition for the incoming senior at Saginaw High School was in grasp.
“I was up on to the stage all nervous and anxious,” Almodóvar said.
It certainly wasn’t by chance that Almodóvar stood on this stage at the SkillsUSA National Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. This moment that few high school students in the United States will ever experience was earned by Almodóvar, starting with dedication to his work inside the Automotive Technology shop at the Hollenstein Career & Technology Center (HCTC).
“Jonathan is a model student,” said Ernie Cruz, Almodóvar’s Automotive Technology teacher at HCTC. “He does all his work and then is always willing to help a classmate if they need it. He is a total blast to be around in the shop.”
When SkillsUSA competition season began in late winter, the junior’s hard work in the shop began to pay off.
“Students must first compete at the local level and place in the top one or two in the contest to advance,” said Kimberly Traylor, HCTC Coordinator.
At the district competition, Almodóvar took second place in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair and advanced. 
The competition is very technical. It includes tasks that an entry-level technician would need to be able to perform like multipoint inspections, brake system measurements, tire sensor diagnosis, electrical systems functions, and testing procedures, but also includes a written test, job interview simulation, and safety practices. In short, students are competing to prove they are the best prepared to work in an automotive repair shop and fix your vehicle.
Second place at district allowed Almodóvar to advance to the state competition, but he wasn’t satisfied.
“Jonathan always wants to learn more; he is driven and wants to succeed,” Cruz said. “That helped him learn all that he needed to succeed at all levels of the SkillsUSA contests.”
The extra work paid off, and Almodóvar was crowned the state champion in April.
"I was so very proud because I know how hard this young man works and how he really strives to be the best he can be,” Traylor said. “He is such a kind and humble young man.”
Accolades followed. To be the best student in Texas in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair is a big deal. There are many outstanding programs across the state and the state competition is considered one of the toughest in the country. Almodóvar was even recognized by the EMS ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÉç Board of Education. He took all the recognition with humility and began focusing on the next competition, representing the entire State of Texas at the SkillsUSA National Competition.
“I knew I had the knowledge and experience, thought I could get top three, but I wasn’t completely convinced that I would win first place,” Almodóvar said.
As the competition began and Almodóvar started working, Cruz noticed something immediately that encouraged him about the outcome.
“His calm demeanor stood out to me. He was, as he always is, cool, calm, and collected, at least on the outside,” Cruz said.
After the competition ended and the judging took place, it was time for that moment on stage where Almodóvar stood, “nervous and anxious” as the reality of what was taking place set in. Just a few minutes before, he heard his name announced across State Farm Arena as being in the top three and asking him to make his way forward for the final placements to be presented.
“I’m up on stage and hearing the other people next to me get called for third and second place before me, and I was in disbelief,” Almodovar said.
The last student standing. The top high school student in the country for Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair.
“Winning nationals at SkillsUSA is undoubtedly a remarkable accomplishment for Jonathan Almodóvar and reflects his dedication, skills and hard work. It's an achievement that brings recognition not only to himself but also to Saginaw High School and EMS ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÉç,” said Dr. Cynthia Webber, Saginaw High School Principal. “Jonathan's success at the national level will have a positive impact on other students on our campus and within our district. His achievement serves as an inspiration and sets an example for fellow students, showing them that with perseverance and commitment, they too can achieve great things.”
Up next for Almodóvar is his senior year, but after that Cruz sees a bright future for this student, who will continue his automotive training and earning industry certifications while in high school in EMS ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÉç. 
“I think he will be a very talented Automotive Technician as long as he keeps his positive attitude and his drive to learn through trial and error,” Cruz said.
EMS ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÉç CTE Students Shine Across all Levels
Almodóvar’s national championship is a highlight of the success EMS ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÉç CTE students have experienced at all levels so far in 2023.
Through the winter and spring, EMS ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÉç students competed at the state level in various contests, including TPSA (Texas Public Safety Association), HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), SkillsUSA, TAFE/Educators Rising (Texas Association of Future Educators), and NASA Space Settlement Design.
All state winners were recognized by the EMS ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÉç Board of Education in May. We are #EMSproud of these students for their outstanding achievements and for representing EMS ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÉç, and the top-of-the-line Career & Technical Education offered in our district, so well.
State Medalists and National Qualifiers
Texas Public Safety Association Medalists (state-only organization)
- Peyton Curtis, Boswell High School, 12th grade, Crime Scene Investigation Team, 1st place
- Zella Chaney, Boswell High School, 12th grade, Crime Scene Investigation Team, 1st place
- Lakota Reed, Chisholm Trail High School, 12th grade, Crime Scene Investigation Team, 1st place
SkillsUSA State Medalists and National Qualifiers
- Jonathan Almodóvar, Saginaw High School, 11th grade, Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair, 1st place and National Qualifier
- Trinity Gill, Saginaw High School, 12th grade, Cosmetology, 1st place and National Qualifier
Texas Association of Future Educators/Educators Rising State Medalists and National Qualifier
- Janee Musnug, Saginaw High School, Varsity Teacher Created Materials Events, Gold Medalist and National Qualifier
- Brianna Moore & Jade Krystal Smith, Boswell High School, Varsity Interactive Bulletin Board, Gold Medalists
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America State Medalists and National Qualifiers
- Sara Harris, Chisholm Trail High School, 11th grade, Public Policy Advocate Level 3, 1st place and National Qualifier
- Ariana Lugo, Chisholm Trail High School, 11th grade, Public Policy Advocate Level 3, 1st place and National Qualifier
Health Occupations Students of America State Medalist and National Qualifier
- Madison Terry, Chisholm Trail High School, 10th grade, Health Care Issues, 1st place and National Qualifier
NASA Central Space Settlement Design National Winners and International Qualifiers
- Aaron Ho, Boswell High School, 12th grade
- Tristen Ingram, Boswell High School, 12th grade
- Rylan Brosh, Boswell High School, 12th grade
- Emerson Adams, Saginaw High School, 12th grade
StellarXplorers National Semi-Finals Qualifiers
- Emerson Adams, Saginaw High School, US-wide Competition
- Ava Alcorta, Chisholm Trail High School, US-wide Competition
- Elliot Gonzalez, Chisholm Trail High School, US-wide Competition
- Tristen Ingram, Boswell High School, US-wide Competition
- Adam Salazar, Chisholm Trail High School, US-wide Competition
- Joshua Sanders, Saginaw High School, US-wide Competition
State Qualifiers
Texas Public Safety Association State Qualifiers
- Mia Govea, Boswell High School, Opening Statement & Qualifying an Expert Witness
- Kelsey Green, Chisholm Trail High School, Opening Statement
- Nathalie Olguin, Boswell High School, Closing Statement
- Zella Chaney, Boswell High School, Closing Statement
- Peyton Curtis, Boswell High School, Crime Scene Investigation (team of 3)
- Lakota Reed, Chisholm Trail High School, Crime Scene Investigation (team of 3)
- Zella Chaney, Boswell High School, Crime Scene Investigation (team of 3)
- Jacob Daniells, Boswell High School, Blood Spatter Analysis (team of 3)
- Joseph Morales, Chisholm Trail High School, Blood Spatter Analysis (team of 3)
- Carolina Sartori, Boswell High School, Blood Spatter Analysis (team of 3) & Anthropology
- Dalton Ivey, Boswell High School, Fiber Analysis
- Brianna Moore, Boswell High School, Fiber Analysis
- Nomsa Sinzihara, Chisholm Trail High School, Anthropology
- Alijah Brand, Boswell High School, SWAT
- Drake Cisneros, Saginaw High School, Building Search
- Kelton Coleman, Chisholm Trail High School, Cell Extraction
- Brock Danford, Boswell High School, Crash Scene
- Josef De Groh, Saginaw High School, Crash Scene
- Alejandro Estrada, Saginaw High School, Building Search
- Wyatt Fielding, Boswell High School, Cell Extraction
- Daniel Flores, Chisholm Trail High School, Cell Extraction
- Shekinah Harrell, Saginaw High School, Crash Scene
- Deven Miller, Chisholm Trail High School, SWAT
- Giovanni Negrete, Chisholm Trail High School, Cell Extraction
- Brian Ochoa, Boswell High School, Cell Extraction
- Alexia Olivas-Godwin, Boswell High School, SWAT
- Billy Pennington, Chisholm Trail High School, Building Search/Physical Agility
- Vincent Pocchia, Boswell High School, SWAT/Physical Agility
- Fernando Ramirez, Boswell High School, Cell Extraction
- Ruben Ramirez, Boswell High School, Inmate Processing
- James Stutheit, Chisholm Trail High School, SWAT
- Mason Verrette, Boswell High School, SWAT
SkillsUSA State Qualifiers
- Angel Gallardo, Chisholm Trail High School, Additive Manufacturing
- Victoria Montalvo, Boswell High School, Additive Manufacturing
- Cesar Villarreal, Chisholm Trail High School, CNC Programmer (Technician)
- Luis Gomez, Boswell High School, CNC Milling
- Caleb Formanek, Boswell High School, Robotics and Automation
- Austin Moore, Chisholm Trail High School, Robotics and Automation
- Kathryn Jennings, Boswell High School, Culinary Arts
- Victor Burgos, Chisholm Trail High School, Restaurant Service
- Samia Rahman, Chisholm Trail High School, Restaurant Service
- Trinity Gill, Saginaw High School, Cosmetology
- Jayla Moore, Chisholm Trail High School, Cosmetology
- Jonathan Almodovar, Saginaw High School, Maintenance and Light Repair
- Alexandar Payne, Saginaw High School, Motorcycle Service Technology
- Jacob Rojas, Chisholm Trail High School, Mobile Electronics Installation
- Aiden Martin, Boswell High School, Power Equipment Technology
- Jacob Braly, Saginaw High School, Motorcycle Service Technology
- Nicholas Sanderson, Chisholm Trail High School, Diesel Service Technology
- Kevon Dabney, Boswell High School, Marine Service Technology
- Marc Stremciuc, Boswell High School, Telecom
- Jillian Moore, Boswell High School, Telecom
- Daniel Dreese, Boswell High School, Internetworking
- Raul Juarez, Boswell High School Internetworking
- Jaelynn Sierra-Richardson, Boswell High School, Medical Terminology
- Sparsha Acharya, Boswell High School, Health Care Portfolio
Texas Association of Future Educators/Educators Rising State Qualifiers
- Janee Musnug, Saginaw High School, Varsity Teacher Created Materials
- Brianna Moore & Jade Krystal Smith, Boswell High School, Varsity Interactive Bulletin Board
- Jade Krystal Smith, Boswell High School, Varsity Educators Rising Moment
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America State Qualifiers
- Jacie Bond, Saginaw High School, Focus on Children
- Taylor Jones, Saginaw High School, Hospitality
- Kya Rankin, Boswell High School, Chapter Service Project Display Lvl 3
- Alexandra Rogers, Boswell High School, Chapter Service Project Display Lvl 3
- Olivia Imre, Boswell High School, Chapter Service Project Display Lvl 3
- Maggie Henderson, Boswell High School, Spotlight on Project - Community Service
DECA (Formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) State Qualifiers
- Jehra Vaughn, Boswell High School, DECA District Career Development Conference
- Aiden Del Valle, Boswell High School, DECA District Career Development Conference
- Aiden Nava, Boswell High School, DECA District Career Development Conference
- Johnathan Campa, Boswell High School, DECA District Career Development Conference
Health Occupation Students of America State Qualifiers
- Chloe Kaiser, Chisholm Trail High School, Sports Medicine
- Imani Nicas, Chisholm Trail High School, Health Care Issues
- Chase Phongsavath, Chisholm Trail High School, Health Career Display
- Madison Terry, Chisholm Trail High School, Health Care Issues
Youth and Government State Qualifiers
- Zella Chaney, Boswell High School, YG Mock Trial
- Mia Govea, Boswell High School, YG Mock Trial
- Nathalie Olguin, Boswell High School, YG Mock Trial
- Melanie Munoz, Chisholm Trail High School, YG Mock Trial
- Victoria Shaw, Boswell High School, YG Mock Trial
- Isaac Enriquez, Chisholm Trail High School, YG Mock Trial
- Jaelyn Butler, Chisholm Trail High School, YG Mock Trial
Future Farmers of America State Qualifiers
- Sadie Allen, Wildlife CDE & Range CDE
- Madison Ware, Wildlife CDE & Range CDE
- James Story, Wildlife CDE & Range CDE
- Jadeyn Stapleton, Wildlife CDE