LUSK – Casper College student, Hannah Kerkes competed at the SkillsUSA State competition held from April 14 to April 16. Kerkes moved with her family to Wyoming shortly after she had graduated from high school in Greely, Colorado. Kerkes’ mother teaches at the Lusk Elementary/Middle School. Her grandparents followed shortly after she settled in Lusk.

Kerkes is a first time member and winner in college level SkillsUSA. She won first place for technical drafting. Kerkes will be heading to Nationals in June. She will be accompanying several other Niobrara County High School SkillsUSA members, too.

Kerkes told the Herald she had not heard of SkillsUSA until her professor, Paul Brutsman, and with professor Jason Eggemeyer jointly spoke to her about joining and competing at the State competition. Brutsman and Eggemeyer are college SkillsUSA coaches.

“I wish I would have known about SkillUSA in high school,” said Kerkes. “This was the first time I competed in Skills. The reason why I did it is because I am taking a SolidWorks software class in college.”

SolidWorks software is used for solid modeling computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering. During the state competition, Kerkes was given a set of arts to model and had to use 3D modeling software. She then submitted the model to the  judges.

“I have a SolidWorks software background in high school,” said Kerkes. “I really enjoy it and like using it.”

Kerkes is currently working on her second degree at Casper College for an engineering technology degree. Kerkes has already earned her aviation degree through Casper College.  Kerkes earned her Associated of Arts in Business at Eastern Wyoming College prior to attending Casper College.

“I’ve always wanted to work in a trade,” said Kerkes. “I have my private pilot’s license and I am working on my commercial pilots license right now.”

Kerkes is looking forward to her first SkillsUSA national competition.