Some people take opportunities. Others make opportunities. It would be easy to argue that Angellynn Morales, a senior at Hockinson High School, falls into the latter category. After all, her first-place performance at this year’s regional SkillsUSA Electrical Construction Wiring competition was fueled by her initiative, commitment, and the mentors she gained along the way.
The Competition
Before recounting Morales’ two-part story of self-advocacy and teamwork, it’s helpful to understand what’s expected of students who participate in SkillsUSA competitions. SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to showcase their proficiency in over 100 skilled trades including robotics, plumbing, barbering, welding - and electrical construction wiring.
Industry professionals serve as judges to ensure that competitors are showing mastery of real-world skills that employers expect from entry-level professionals. Participants who succeed at regional competitions can qualify to compete at state- and national-level competitions.
In Angellyn’s case, she competed against thirteen other students at the SW Washington SkillsUSA Residential Electrical Wiring Competition, which was held at Ilwaco High School on January 29. Competitors were required to complete a written test of questions based on the latest edition of the National Electric Code (NEC), a practical conduit bending exercise, and hands-on installation of a conduit system, cabling system, and wiring devices. Working from drawings and specification sheets, students are also expected to install an electrical system common in most residential and light commercial projects. Judging is based on general workmanship, accuracy of layout and installation, and adherence to the current NEC and standard industry safety practices.
The (Incredible) Backstory
Hockinson High School students who pursue an interest in skilled trades usually attend Cascadia Technical Academy part-time or take a specific sequence of Career & Technical Education classes on campus. Due to its size, HHS offers career pathways in areas such as business, wood tech, and computer science - but not electrical wiring.
Morales, who is in her final year at HHS, has never attended Cascadia Technical Academy nor does she have a family member who is an electrician. Her father, Louis, is a restaurant owner and her mom,Monica, is an accountant. So how did she find her way to the podium at Ilwaco High School?
Morales says that she started to get interested in the career field last year. “As a junior, you start to think about what you want to do next. Neither my family or I had any experience in the trades, but I read about how they were in high demand. I also knew that I didn’t want to work in an office. [Being an electrician] was the most interesting to me,” she said. Morales’ discovery emerged in a roundabout way. Starting in Hockinson as a 4th Grader, Morales noted that she liked technical writing more than poetry, narratives, and book reports. She also enjoyed her Art and Woodshop classes, where she could express her creativity and create tangible products.
What Morales did next was a little thing that made a huge difference: She advocated for herself. “In December, I went to Mrs. Sarkinen and Ms. Reynolds,” Morales said, “to find out how I could prepare for a career as an electrician.” Morales lucked out. She inquired on the application deadline for the regional SkillsUSA construction wiring competition, only about a month and a half away. Why did she decide to apply on the spot? “I had read a quote that essentially said ‘You’re not going to grow in your comfort zone’ so I just went ahead and did it,” said Morales casually.
Morales’ outreach to the school’s College and Career Resource Specialist (Sarkinen) and Readiness Advisor (Reynolds) kicked off a team effort. Steve Curtland, who teaches Math and Computer Science, and Eirik Huset, who teaches Woods and Architecture, were asked to help as every SkillsUSA participant needs an industry mentor. Neither had a strong background in electrical wiring. But they did have contacts. They approached local electrician Jason Pacheco who agreed to coach Morales in addition to his responsibilities as owner of his company, Cascadia Wireworks. But Curtland and Huset stayed in touch and Morales’ father, Luis, also got involved.
Morales met with Pacheco two times a week for 6 weeks, never missing a session. She also took ownership of her learning, exploring YouTube videos and reading electrical manuals. Morales also practiced conduit bending at home.
The Win
Just weeks after her initial inquiry at the HHS College & Career Center, Morales traveled to Ilwaco with her mentors and father to put her weeks of preparation to the test. There she went against thirteen other participants, two of them female. The competitors drilled, measured, pulled wire, installed subpanels and bent and fastened conduit. Here’s what happened, according to Luke Whittaker of the Chinook Observer:
Only 11 points out of 900 possible separated the top five. Ilwaco High school senior Keith Clarson, a second-year competitor, walked away with third place. Junior Jamie Rupert, a first-time competitor, landed the fifth place spot. First place was earned by Angellynn Morales from Hockinson with a perfect score from all three judges.
A perfect score?! Morales took it in stride when asked about her flawless performance. “I was fairly confident in my work. When we were done, I thought I would be in the Top 5,” she answered. Still, she did admit that a 900/900 was a pretty special accomplishment. “I was excited and proud,” she said.
The Future
The Hockinson School District has a “3 & 3” model for connecting students with post-secondary education and careers. The first three concepts are the long game: Explore, Prepare, and Launch - each corresponding to the three levels of education (elementary, middle, and high school.) At high school, Principal Tim Fox, who also doubles as the school’s CTE Director, champions the “Three Es.” “It’s like a mantra with our students. We want to support our students and see them take the steps necessary so they are ready to enroll, enlist, or seek employment when they graduate from HHS,” Fox said.
When asked about her plans for next year, the soon-to-graduate Morales responded: “I will be looking for anything that gets me an apprenticeship so I can get my hours and continuing education that will qualify me for a Journeyman’s license.” Although she has not received any offers yet, Pacheco is confident that she will. “Angellynn has more skills than some electricians who have a year of on-the-job experience. She’s driven, dependable, and precise. A pretty incredible person,” Pacheco said.
And where does she see herself in five years? “Ideally I see myself getting my Journeyman’s license. I’m not sure if I will be working as a residential or commercial electrician, although I’m open to either,” said Morales.
Morales pointed out that this experience has confirmed that she’s on the right path and she’s excited to begin a career that enables her to work with her hands, see the progress of her work, and earn a living wage salary. While Morales is comfortable working alone or as part of a team, she is grateful for the network of support she received from HHS staff, her mentor, and her parents. “I wasn’t 100% sure this was what I wanted to do when I first asked for help,” she said. “But this experience has given me confidence and the confidence to reach out to businesses. I feel that I’m capable and that this career is 100% within reach.”