PCS places third at scholastic contest
Perkins County Schools placed third in Division I schools at the 51st annual Inter-High Scholastic Contest at North Platte Community College on Wednesday, March 14.
Students from 27 area high schools tested their skills and knowledge in more than 250 applied technology tests on the north campus and more than 700 academic tests on the south campus.
The applied technology competitions consisted of both written test and hands-on elements. Students were judged in the areas of auto body, automotive/diesel, building construction, electrical, welding and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
On the academic side, students took exams on everything from accounting and athletic training to chemistry and information technology. They presented three to five minute monologues in a dramatic arts competition and performed solo vocal and instrumental pieces among a variety of other activities.
“This contest gives students a chance to shine, show off their talents and earn scholarships for themselves and their school,” said Kelly Rippen, the college’s area dean of enrollment management. “We have so much academic, hands-on, creative and artistic talent in our area. It’s our pleasure to host these students and allow them to show what they can do.”
Winners in each academic category received a medal and a $500 scholarship to the college. Additionally, those placing first through third earned certificates for up to three credit hours of summer tuition.
Winners in the applied technology categories also received scholarships and tuition vouchers, but instead of medals, took home equipment that applied to their particular test areas.
The top three students deemed to be the “hardest workers” of the day were presented with T-shirts.
Schools earned points based on how many winners they had. The top three point earning schools in each division received a plaque and a $500 scholarship to award to a student of the school’s choice. Schools were also able to qualify for a scholarship by having any of their students place in the top three.
Students placing in the top three from PCS include:
Bryce Grothman—fire science, third
Nathan Kemling—mathematics, second; music theory, second
Valerie Perez—music instrumental, second
Matt Aerni, Jack Kennicutt and Tyson Patrick—building construction, second
Josh Malmkar—electrical, second
Tanner Burge—welding division II, first