Joliet West High School proudly celebrates junior Calloway Walsh for her historic achievement at the 2025 SkillsUSA Illinois State Championships, where she earned a Gold Medal in the Prepared Speech category, becoming the first student in Joliet Township history to win gold and qualify for the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. 

The Illinois Championships brought together top students from across the state to compete in over 100 career-related contests. In the Prepared Speech event, Calloway crafted and delivered an original 5–7-minute speech that showcased the SkillsUSA Framework Triangle’s pillars: personal, technical, and workplace skills. Her outstanding performance earned her the district’s first-ever national qualifier spot. 

At the national conference held in Atlanta, Georgia, Calloway competed against 42 finalists from across the country and was named a National Finalist, placing 12th overall. Reflecting on her journey, Calloway expressed deep gratitude for the support she received: 
"I want to thank the JTHS Foundation for their undeniable support and dedication through this once-in-a-lifetime experience. I also couldn't have achieved this without my teachers, coaches, and SkillsUSA peers who pushed me to reach new limits."

Her success highlights the power of rigorous preparation, mentorship, and community support, underscoring Joliet West’s commitment to developing confident leaders equipped with essential communication and professional skills. 

Calloway’s achievement is a milestone for Joliet Township High School District 204 and an inspiring example of the district’s dedication to preparing students for college, career, and leadership through hands-on learning and industry-aligned training.