Casper College’s Hannah Kerkes places eighth nationally in technical drafting at SkillsUSA

Casper College student Hannah Kerkes contemplates on her next move during the eight-hour technical drafting competition at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference held in Atlanta. (Casper College photo)

For eight hours in Atlanta last month, Hannah Kerkes faced one of the most challenging tests of her engineering technology education at Casper College. She had to reverse-engineer mechanical parts, create detailed manufacturing drawings, and complete a comprehensive knowledge test on drafting standards — all while competing against state gold medalists from across the country.

When the dust settled at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, held June 23-27, Kerkes had earned eighth place nationally in technical drafting. Not bad for someone who’s been putting her classroom learning to work at High Country Fabrication, where she’s gained real-world experience that’s made all the difference.

“Hannah has learned a lot from our industry partners,” said Paul Brutsman, one of Kerkes’ instructors. “The opportunity to work in the field while still in school is a huge benefit to the student and helps us stay aligned with what industry actually needs. Hannah has grown tremendously as a professional over the past year,” , said Brutsman, engineering technology and design instructor.

Another of Kerkes’ instructors was even more enthusiastic in his praise: “One of the smartest and most creative students I have ever had in class. GO HANNAH!” exclaimed Jason Eggemeyer, engineering technology and design instructor.

That combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience at HICO has clearly paid off for Kerkes. She’s proof that the partnerships between Casper College and local industry leaders aren’t just good for students — they’re essential for preparing the next generation of technical professionals who understand what employers need.

Kerkes’ eighth-place finish demonstrates that Casper College students can compete effectively against anyone in the nation when they have the right support, instruction, and real-world experience backing them up.