WHS Sophomores Gain Job Interview Experience

Washougal High School sophomores were interviewed as a part of the Job Acquisition unit in the English classes of Michael Wareham, Marcee Salas and Heather Carver on June 10, 11 and 12.  Thirty-six community members from local businesses reviewed cover letters, applications resumes and interviewed the 181 students.  Students were dressed and prepared using job interview guidelines from Future Business Leaders of America.  For many students it was the first experience they have had in an interview situation and helped them learn and test these skills as they prepare to find that first job.

WHS Student Bobby Jacobs Earns Spot in Boeing Tech Prep Program

As a senior at Washougal High School, Bobby Jacobs is ahead of the curve in knowing what type of career and education he'll pursue after graduation.

Jacobs is just one of 12 students in Clark County to be selected for Boeing's TechPrep program, a paid summer internship that gives students hands-on experience in machining and manufacturing as well as job application skills and work experience. The program intends to bridge the gap between high school and college, to help students determine if they would like to pursue a career in manufacturing production and engineering.

Many students are deterred by the program's lengthy application process, with less than five percent of the hundreds of applicants being accepted. Fortunately for Jacobs, his persistence paid off. He was accepted to the program and completed the first four-week program last summer, where he spent 40 hours per week working with drills, mills and lathes.

He's learned how to read and create technical drawings as well as build a variety of things, including a telescoping hammer, which was his pick for a class project.

"In four weeks I learned as much as I would have learned in a whole semester in high school," said Jacobs. "This opportunity has really helped me get my foot in the door with Boeing."

In addition to gaining valuable hands-on skills, Jacobs learned all about working in a high-security professional organization. He's also learned how to abide by company procedures, work safely, and deal with security and confidentiality within a large organization.

Once Jacobs successfully completed his first summer session, he was invited back to participate in a second internship. This summer, he will work as part of a team to produce a rocket boat. After that, he'll be eligible to participate in a seven-week program where he will job-shadow professionals, gain interview skills, and create a resume. By the end of the program he will be poised to apply for a highly competitive job with the company or pursue a college education in engineering, which Boeing would likely pay for.

"He's gaining a lot of experience that's tough to come by anywhere else," said CTE Director Marsha Spencer.

“Day of the Dead” comes to life for WHS Spanish students

An important component of learning a foreign language is to gain an understanding and appreciation for its culture.  Recently, Washougal High School Spanish language students were introduced to the Mexican celebration of El Día de los Muertos or “The Day of the Dead,” a yearly experience provided by the Spanish teachers.

The celebration is a fusion of Catholic and indigenous traditions that has come to manifest itself differently in each region of Latin America.  “The key is that it's a celebration of life: mostly of those who have gone before us,” explained Brian Eggleston, WHS Spanish Teacher.  "Students learn about the different way a culture looks at death without the unnecessary dread or horror that we've seen in some other societies."
As a part of the celebration, students created actual sugar skulls.  They combined sugar, meringue powder, and water together, and then with a mold, they made skulls that harden for decoration.  “After learning about the holiday and surrounding customs in Mexico, the students will decorate them in class,” Eggleston said.  “They always turn out beautiful.  The best work goes on display in each Spanish classroom for others to admire.”

“Students become more invested in a culture when they can get involved with hands on activities such as this,” said Spanish teacher Rochelle Aiton.

WHS Sophomores Participate in Job Acquisition Skills Interviews

More than 40 community members and 200 Washougal High School (WHS) sophomores recently took part in the WHS's annual JAS Interviews (Job Acquisition Skills-pronounced JAZZ).
The process begins with students selecting a hypothetical job they feel they are qualified for.  These include mowing lawns, work in fast food restaurants or retail.  Many students are 15-16 years old and have never been employed.

Through their English classes, students prepare a portfolio that includes a cover letter, resume, references, and an application.  WHS Career Specialists also coach the students on how to best present themselves with a strong hand shake, eye contact, smiles, and dressing properly.   This all culminates with a 15 - 20 minute 'mock' interview by local business and community professionals.

“The experience definitely helps prepare these students for a real job interview,” said Marsha Spencer, WHS Career Specialist.  “There is a lot of pressure and the kids come prepared.”   The interviewer gives student immediate feedback on how well they presented themselves.  They will even let the student know if they would hire them. “Our community members who help with this are fantastic,”  Spencer added.  “Many come back each year and are very good at giving the kind of interview experience and feedback that is useful for the students.”

Community Member Rose Jewell interviews WHS Sophomore Mauro Gonzalez.  Photo by Jared Freeman.

According to Spencer, it is the extra confidence or lessons learned from the experience that could make the difference in finding that first job.

WHS Students Win in Culinary Competition

WHS Students Win at Culinary Competition on April 21, 2012

WHS students competed against students from Woodland, Prairie, and Battle Ground high schools in the 4th Annual Clark County Culinary Competition April 21.  The event was held at Battle Ground High School and was sponsored by Sodexo Food Services.
Washougal team members Andrew Bastian, Melissa Cain, Danielle Crowley, and Jesse Kraff made beef kabobs, rice and a pineapple/coconut slushy for dessert. The team won Best Beef Entrée and Overall Finest Asian Entree for Taste and Presentation.

"The students put a great deal of time and effort in to the competition and preparing for it. It is wonderful to see them work hard and be awarded for it," said Mary Walker, who teaches Foods and You and Culinary Management classes at WHS.

Clark County Culinary Competition

Please come support Washougal High School Students who are competing to create Asian themed entrees at the Clark County High School Culinary Competition. WHS Students Melissa Cain, Danielle Crowley, Andrew Bastian and Jesse Kraft will be preparing and serving dishes, which will be judged by reception guests, voting to decide the best overall taste and presentation. The competition takes place at Battle Ground High School at 300 W. Main St. in Battle Ground, from 12:00 to 1:15 PM on April 21st.

WHS Students Take 1st and 3rd in Regional Machining Competition at Clark College for Skills USA

On Saturday, Feb. 12, four students from the Washougal High School Metals program took part in a machining competition at Clark College for Skills USA. Ilia Svistun was the first place winner and Douglass Murray was the third place winner. These two students are now eligible to compete at the state level. Also representing WHS were Robert Raynor and Braden Devlin "These student should be congratulated for their outstanding accomplishment," said CTE teacher Don O'Brien. First place winner Ilia won $1,500 worth of tools and equipment, and 3rd place winner Douglas won $800 worth of tools and equipment, which was donated by local manufacturing companies.

Five local high schools – Evergreen, La Center, Mountain View, Prairie and Washougal -- were represented in the machining contest, which began at 9 a.m on Saturday. It was held in the machine shop in at Clark College, The top three finishers will take the next step by advancing to the state contest in the Tacoma Dome.

For additional information about Clark College’s machining and welding programs or the Regional High School VICA/Skills USA Machining and Welding Contest, call 360-992-2341.

Pictured are Douglas Murray, Ilia Svistun, Robert Raynor, and Braden Devlin from left to right. Photos courtesy of Clark College.

Washougal students compete in Clark County culinary event

Washougal High School students rolled up their sleeves and prepped their saucepans Saturday, May 7 for the Third Annual Clark County High School Culinary Competition. WHS students competed against their peers from Battle Ground, Prairie, Camas and Woodland high schools at the event, which was sponsored by Sodexo, who provides food services for all five high schools.

Washougal students took two awards: the Food Critics Choice and Best Overall Award for teamwork, presentation and taste.

Students had three hours to prepare a main dish, side dish and to create a salad and dressing from ingredients they were given. They were also given a mystery ingredient to add somewhere in their meal.

The students’ winning dish was a French Cassoulet of Kielbasa, simmered and baked with white beans, tomatoes, apples, rosemary and sage. Their side dish was asparagus with puff pastry covered in a béchamel sauce.

Washougal’s team was coached by Mary Walker, who teaches the Family and Consumer Science class at WHS.

Students who competed are: seniors Nick Green, Peter Tkach, Kyle Taisacan, and Blair Kraft.