Washougal School District Celebrates Career & Technical Education Month (Photo) - 02/06/26

Washougal, WA — Washougal School District celebrates Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month by highlighting programs that prepare students for success in college, career, and life. This February, students in CTE pathways ranging from carpentry and plumbing to culinary arts are applying their skills through hands-on projects, competitions, and real-world learning experiences.

In the 2024-25 school year, every graduating senior in a Career and Technical graduation pathway at Washougal High School earned postsecondary credit and participated in work-based learning activities. Students in grades 9-12 earned a combined total of 1,539 industry-recognized certifications. The district is building on this momentum in 2025-26 through continued hands-on job readiness and work-based learning opportunities. 

“Career and Technical Education prepares students for the future,” said Margaret Rice, Director of Career and Technical Education at Washougal School District. “Through hands-on learning and work-based experiences, students are building the job-ready skills they need to succeed after graduation.”

Student Achievement & Competitions

Annual SkillsUSA regional competitions provide students opportunities to apply and showcase their technical skills. On January 23, Liam Harvey, Washougal High School student, participated in the Southwest Washington Regional SkillsUSA carpentry competition at the Northwest Carpenters Union and placed 13th. At the Regional SkillsUSA Plumbing competitions, Washougal High School students Jose Echevarria, Evan Brunelle, and Kyle Brunelle placed 9th, 11th, and 17th respectively.

Washougal High School students also competed in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) regional competitions on January 30 at Lower Columbia College. Liberty Andelman and Jacob Larzalere placed 1st in Social Media Strategy, Breanna Hausinger and Ganguni Higgoda Gamage placed 2nd in Visual Design, Madeline Brock placed 4th in Public Service Announcement, Madeline Brock placed 4th in Impromptu Speaking, Breanna Hausinger placed 4th in Real Estate, Rickie Wright and Madelin Brock placed 4th in Marketing, Rickie Wright placed 6th in Advertising, and Angel Plaza placed 6th in Business Management.

In Washougal School District, extracurricular transportation to and from competitions is supported by local Educational Programs & Operations dollars.

Job Readiness in Action this February

Culinary Arts

Washougal High School students in the culinary arts program are sharpening their skills while giving back to the community. During CTE month, culinary arts students will operate the school’s Panther Café, present kitchen vocabulary lessons to first-grade dual language classes, use pancakes to teach math concepts to kindergarten students, and create spice rub gifts for Skamania County Fair Board members. On February 20 and February 26 from 9-11 a.m., community members may visit the Washougal Community Center for a free, student-planned and student-served Refuel meal.

Carpentry

Washougal High School CTE students will mentor fourth-grade students through a hands-on wooden toolbox project that builds skills, construction math, confidence, and leadership across grade levels.

Leadership

Associated Student Body (ASB) Leadership students at Washougal High School will lead schoolwide activities throughout the month of February, including the planning and implementation of the Sadie Hawkins dance.

Industry-Aligned Learning

Washougal’s CTE program is guided by a CTE Advisory Committee made up of local business and industry professionals. The committee provides input to ensure courses remain aligned with current workforce needs, industry standards, and emerging career opportunities.

Through strong partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders, CTE helps close the skills gap by preparing students for high-skilled, high-demand, and high-wage careers in a changing economy. To learn more about Career & Technical Education opportunities in Washougal School District, visit https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/cte/.