Garland, TX — Garland ISD is celebrating a significant achievement as Alexa Garcia, a senior at Rowlett High School, has made history by becoming the first female state champion in SkillsUSA Motorcycle Service Technology at the Texas Leadership and Skills Conference. She is now preparing to compete at the national level in Atlanta this June.
When Alexa first enrolled in the Outdoor Power class at the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center (GRCTC), she had no idea she would soon win a state title. “I was nervous going into the state competition, especially being the only girl there,” she reflected. “But when I found out I won, I was so proud. It just proved that all the hard work was worth it.”
Her victory represents her success and inspires other young women in a traditionally male-dominated field. “I’m excited I could represent the GRCTC and show that girls belong in this field too,” she added.
With the state championship secured, Alexa is focused on the upcoming national SkillsUSA competition, where she will demonstrate her skills in motorcycle maintenance, diagnostics, and repair. She aims to expand her knowledge in the broader field of mechanics, emphasizing the interconnectedness of different mechanical systems and the foundational skills she gained through her coursework.
Alexa attributes her success to the Outdoor Power course and her teacher, Thomas Pablo. The hands-on experience and critical thinking skills fostered in the class have been invaluable to her development. Pablo noted that Alexa’s determination and dedication set her apart from her peers, as she consistently sought to deepen her understanding of the material.
Alexa’s achievement is part of a larger success story at the state SkillsUSA competition, where her teammate Malachi Tardif earned second place, and Darcus (Dani) Honore placed sixth in Mobile Electronics. Dani’s participation reflects a growing interest among female students in the Outdoor Power program. She has expressed a strong desire to continue her education in this area and compete again in the future.
The accomplishments of Alexa, Malachi, and Dani exemplify the exceptional opportunities provided by Garland ISD’s Career and Technical Education programs. These initiatives allow students to explore their passions and equip them with industry certifications that prepare them for successful careers. As Alexa prepares for the national competition, her journey serves as a testament to hard work and determination, inspiring the next generation of skilled, diverse talent in mechanics and beyond.
