GRHS skills and art earn state recognition

Green River students are not only showcasing their skills, but also being recognized as some of the best in the state. 

Many Green River High School students participated in the annual SkillsUSA Wyoming Championships, which took place in Casper April 14 to 16, while other students from the GRHS Art Department competed in the State Art Symposium in Casper April 30 to May 2. 

Winning and learning at SkillsUSA

Of the 20 students that competed in SkillsUSA, several came away with top-three finishes, while even those who didn't place at the top came away with valuable learning experience. 

A few of the competitions that local students participated in were First Aid/CPR, Automotive Refinishing and Welding.

"They ran us through a few different scenarios," Tanner Hokanson explained of the First Aid/CPR category, in which he took second place. Hokanson said they had to demonstrate how to address problems like what to do when administering CPR or responding to emergencies like open bleeding and anaphylactic shock. 

Enna Adams also competed in First Aid/CPR, and took first place, which fulfilled a goal she was hoping to achieve. 

"I got third last year, so I was trying to challenge myself and push myself to be better, so that was really rewarding," she said.  

Adams competed in a few other categories as well, including demonstrating and teaching ballet positions for the "Job Skill Open" category. 

"The hardest parts were nerves and going in just wanting to make sure everything you say is right," Adams said. 

Isaac Dahl took third place in Automotive Refinishing at the State Championship, during which he had to prep, paint, and clear coat a panel. Dahl explained that the specific skills he had to demonstrate, such as blending paint, were a challenge. 

Several GRHS students also competed in various levels of Welding, including Dominick Littlefield, Weston Green and Carson West. For their competitions, they had to weld sculptures following specific blueprints and welding procedure specifications.  

"I think the hardest part is actually following along with the WPSs because there was just so much information," West said. 

With the chance to not only demonstrate their abilities but also to learn and practice new skills, the students agreed that participating in SkillsUSA was a fun and rewarding experience. Some of the skills they learned were specific and practical. 

"You always go to the hospital and you use epinephrine" was Hokanson's main takeaway from First Aid, while Adams added that they learned how often epinephrine can be administered. 

Green pointed out that he had to learn to weld in new and different positions, while West added that the competition helped him learn how to work in tough areas like small spaces, and said that he got to do new welding processes he'd never done before. 

"I had to use machines that I wasn't used to for welding, and that was a big obstacle to overcome, but I eventually figured it out," Littlefield added. 

While many of these skills were practical in the moment, they also helped the students learn valuable lessons that they'll be able to take forward into the workplace and into their lives, such as Littlefield saying the event helped him learn to overcome obstacles. 

West pointed out that that competition showed him that "some things you have to do on your own and figure it out yourself." 

Dahl, on the other hand, took away the concept to not only "use your resources more" but also to "use the people around you more." 

Littlefield also thought the competition helped show him that "there are always people there that are willing to help you." 

In general, several students agreed that the experience would help them prepare for the future, with Adams noting that the competition can give a "sneak peak" of what the work environments they may end up in could look like.

"It helped teach me what the job force is actually going to be like," Littlefield said.

Being recognized for artwork

Earning further state-wide recognition for Green River, the high school showcased 146 pieces of artwork at this year's Wyoming State Art Symposium. The artwork included paintings, drawings, pottery and sculptures.

"We are proud to share that 52 of these works received blue ribbon awards," Art Teacher Shane Steiss explained. "In addition, our students earned four special awards, recognizing their exceptional talent and creativity."

Special recognition was given to Haley Clevenger, Madeline Liebelt and Garren Steiss, who each received Congressional Awards for their pottery. 

"These awards are selected by a panel of professional artists from more than 2,000 three-dimensional entries and are awarded to what the judges consider the top 25 pieces," Shane Steiss explained. 

Adding to this recognition, Garren Steiss had the honor of having an additional piece of pottery selected by Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon to be displayed at the Governor's Mansion for the year.

Shane Steiss said it was "another outstanding year" for GRHS. 

All of the art pieces from the Symposium, a few new works, and some of the various types of pieces made during the SkillsUSA Championship will be on display at the Green River High School Gymnasium from Monday, May 12 through Wednesday, May 14. Admission is free and open to the public. A silent auction will also take place during the exhibit, with all of the proceeds raised being donated to the Green River Fire Department Victims fund.