October 24, 2025 - Two-time state champion, Smithson Valley High School senior Clarissa Wallace, competed against the best health science students from across the country in the practical nursing contest at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta this summer. She walked away with the silver medal for the second year in a row.
“Placing at the national level two years in a row shows me that I truly belong in this field,” says Wallace. “It’s proof that my hard work and dedication have paid off, and it motivates me to keep improving.”
The practical nursing competition requires students to demonstrate their ability to perform procedures and skills consistent with practical nursing competencies as determined by State Boards of Nursing. At each workstation, Wallace was judged on accuracy of her skill, organization, communication and safety.
“She has consistently demonstrated unparalleled abilities in both knowledge and skill,” says Dr. Jennifer Carrillo, SVHS health science teacher. “This year, she will be working towards a third appearance at the SkillsUSA Texas conference to defend her current title in the hopes of making yet another appearance at the SkillsUSA National conference. We couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments.”
Wallace chose the health science Career and Technology Education (CTE) track as a sophomore because she enjoyed science classes.
“At the time, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do, but I decided to give health science a try,” she says. “That same year, I joined the health science pathway and began competing in SkillsUSA, which confirmed that I made the right choice.”
Upon high school graduation, Wallace plans to attend Texas State Technical College in Harlingen to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing and become an emergency room nurse.
“Through competing in SkillsUSA, I’ve earned a substantial amount of scholarship money toward my education,” she says. In fact, she has a total of $20,000 in scholarship from her two state titles, receiving $10,000 for each win.
In addition to the scholarships she has earned, the health science classes she has taken at SVHS have helped Wallace earn certifications such as EKG Technician, Phlebotomy Technician and CCMA (certified clinical medical assistant), which will allow her to work in the healthcare field once she turns 18.
Photo descriptions
-Smithson Valley High School senior Clarissa Wallace was recognized by the Comal ISD Board of Trustees during its October 23 meeting for winning the silver medal at the National SkillsUSA competition.
-Smithson Valley High School senior Clarissa Wallace displaying her national silver medal and her state gold medal for practical nursing in SkillsUSA.
-Smithson Valley High School senior Clarissa Wallace receiving her silver medal at the National SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta.
-Smithson Valley High School senior Clarissa Wallace at the National SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta.