Hamilton High School students competed at SkillsUSA Wisconsin’s annual State Leadership and Skills Conference April 9-10 in Madison. Thirteen Hamilton students took part in nine different contests including cabinetmaking, computer numerical control (CNC) milling, Teamworks, advertising design and woodworking display.
Hamilton High School senior Jake Wilson noted that not only did students see an increase in technical skills, but they also improved workplace soft skills during the conference. “One of the things that we did better this year during construction was working together as a team,” explains Wilson. “Last year we were working on electrical and plumbing and getting in each other’s way, and this year we communicated and talked through what each person had to be doing.”
The following students were recognized:
- Grace London – gold in woodworking display and top ten finish in t-shirt design
- Mason Schomann – silver in CNC Milling and top ten finish in job skill demonstration
- Jacob Winter – silver in cabinetmaking and in woodworking display
- Nate Behrndt, Joel DeLonge, AJ Swope, Jake Wilson – silver in Teamworks
- Evan Wagner – bronze in woodworking display
- Tyler Vergin – top ten finish in t-shirt design
- Cody Stowe – top ten finish in 3D Printing
- Ryan Schmidtke – top ten finish in woodworking display
- Will Bruss – top ten finish in woodworking display
“We have students that recognize and take advantage of the opportunities available to them at Hamilton and their dedication to increase their skills and abilities shows,” explains Hamilton High School Applied Engineering and Technology Teacher Alan Mamerow.
“Hamilton’s success is a testament to what our advisors, teachers and Applied Engineering Program as a whole is providing for students,” adds Mamerow. “Teacher Tom Schlueter has students that are constantly working on designs and printing for shirt printing jobs in our graphic arts program. Teacher Joe Premo has students that are completing woodworking and cabinetmaking projects for classrooms and other teachers. Our construction program students have built numerous sheds for the district.”
SkillsUSA continues to grow at Hamilton. The majority of students attending the recent 2024 state competition were new to the program this year. Returning competitors also saw continued success.
SkillsUSA is an organization for students interested in pursuing careers or expanding their knowledge in skilled trades. Over 80 different contests are available in the state of Wisconsin. Hamilton’s team is advised by Applied Engineering and Technology teachers Alan Mamerow, Joe Premo, Tom Schlueter and Chad McLaughlin.