When Rowlett High School senior Alexa Garcia-Alexander first enrolled in the Outdoor Power class at the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center (GRCTC), she didn’t expect to place first in the state for Motorcycle Service Technology at the SkillsUSA Texas Leadership and Skills Conference just a few months later.

“I was nervous going into the state competition, especially being the only girl there,” Alexa said. “I kept thinking maybe everyone else knew more than me. But when I found out I won, I was so proud. It just proved that all the hard work was worth it. I'm excited I could represent the GRCTC and show that girls belong in this field too.”

Now, with the state champion title under her belt, Alexa is preparing to take her talents to Atlanta in June to compete at the national SkillsUSA competition. The event challenges students to demonstrate advanced technical skills in motorcycle maintenance, diagnostics, and repair, showcasing the best of the best.

For Alexa, it is an opportunity to continue refining her skills and represent Garland ISD at one of the nation's largest student competitions. But her interest in mechanics extends beyond motorcycles.

“I want to work in the broader field of mechanics, not just bikes,” she said. “This class helped me learn how everything connects. Even if I don’t work on motorcycles specifically, I’ve built a foundation that’ll help me in any path I take.”

She plans to start with an associate’s degree and continue developing her knowledge through practical experience, something she says the Outdoor Power course at the GRCTC prepared her for in a big way.

“I really didn’t know what to expect when I joined,” she said. “But I knew I liked working with my hands. Once we started doing work on the motorcycles, it just clicked. I like knowing how things work, how to fix them. And our teacher pushes us to think critically, problem-solve, and apply what we learn every day.”

Her teacher, Thomas Pablo, has seen many students come through his classroom, but says Alexa’s determination stands out.

“Alexa put in more work than anyone else this year without question,” he said. “Her score was 200 points higher than the second-place winner. She’s the kind of student who writes down every question and doesn’t stop until she fully understands the answer. That drive is all her.”

Pablo also noted that Alexa made history in the process, becoming the first female student from Garland ISD and the first in state competition history to take home the gold in Motorcycle Service Technology.

“It proves the point that anyone can win if they put the work in,” he said.

While Alexa prepares for nationals, she’s not alone in representing the talent coming out of the GRCTC. At the state SkillsUSA competition, a strong team of students made their mark, with several placing in their respective contests. Teammate Malachi Tardif joined her in the winner’s circle, earning second place, and further highlighting the unmatched skill within the program.

Teammate Darcus (Dani) Honore placed sixth in Mobile Electronics, where she competed individually but also contributed to the team’s preparation. She played a key role in the wiring and installation work on the competition motorcycle, including saddlebag components and engine repairs.

Her presence alongside Alexa’s reflects a growing interest from female students in the Outdoor Power program, proving that this field is gaining traction with a new generation of skilled, diverse talent.

For Dani, the class is a gateway to her future career.

“I’ve always been interested in cars,” she shared. “I didn’t know much about this course until my counselor explained it to me. Now that I’m here, I wish I had joined sooner. I plan to take it next year as a senior and hopefully compete again too.”

From troubleshooting wiring to engine assembly, the team’s work wasn’t just impressive. It was competition-ready, and the skills they’ve gained are already shaping their futures.

Whether it's Alexa preparing for nationals or Dani laying the groundwork for a long-term career, GRCTC students are proving that with the right tools, mentorship, and opportunity, anything is possible.

Garland ISD’s Career and Technical Education programs provide unmatched opportunities for students to explore their passions, earn industry certifications, and step confidently into their next chapter.