The 2020 SkillsUSA program is underway in our territory with regional competitions at Napavine High School and Centralia College, held respectively on January 24 and 25, 2020. We’re happy to announce the winners!

JANUARY 24, 2020 – The Napavine High School hosted contest for SkillsUSA Sculptures.  Lela Stewart, a Senior at Napavine H.S., has taken welding classes for 4 years, though this was her first entry. She is a 4.0 student, President of the N.H.S. Honor Society, SkillsUSA VP, and FFA President, as well as District 3 FFA President. Her rooster sculpture was made from copper… inspired from another hobby, raising chickens, which she shows and sells at the SW Washington Fair.

JANUARY 25, 2020 – The SkillsUSA welding fabrication contest for the SW Washington was held at Centralia College, with the following winners:

• 1st:  Napavine – Ismael Vazquez, Evan Goodrich, Victoria Rutherford
• 2nd: Centralia –  Lane Kimbrel, John Vedder, Jasen McCaslin
• 3rd:  Battleground – Sam Whitten, Anden Just, Bailey Anderson

The 1st place team, Napanvine H.S., will advance to the SkillsUSA Washington State Competition in April 2020, held in Yakima, WA.

Teams at the welding and fabrication competition were given a “can smasher” as the project, and judged on the quality of the fabrication.

An honorable mention goes to the welding instructors:

• Centralia High School:  Brian Taylor, Teacher
• Napavine High School: David Rutherford, Teacher
• Battle Ground High School: Tod Garred, Teacher

Central Welding Supply continues ongoing sponsorship for students in the SkillsUSA program.

Patricia McMahan, Outside Sales, Pacific Welding Supplis in Chehalis, WA has served as judge at the Centralia College competition for several years. She was on hand this year for the photos, as well as continuing to coordinate the donations for prizes that included, welding helmets, jackets, gloves, beanies, sleeves and water bottles.

Congratulations to all the Participants and Winners! And, best of luck to the Napavine H.S. team at the State Competition in April!