Charles City freshman wins silver at SkillsUSA state conference

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Charles City High School freshman Elizah Causey was awarded a silver medal for her welding sculpture at the SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference.

“It was very cool,” said Causey. “I didn’t expect to win, honestly.”

Causey’s interest in welding was sparked last year, practicing the craft during her free time in 8th grade. As a freshman, joining SkillsUSA has allowed her to develop those skills further.

“Elizah started with a couple pencil sketches of her design and the project evolved into a welded mask using nuts, various creative flowers using washers, and a delicate eyelash using TIG rod to finish off an awesome project,” said instructor Dan Bohlen. “Not only for a high school students, but a freshman at that.”

“I call her ‘Her,’” said Causey about her project. “Her name means ‘beauty.’”

Causey and 10 other SkillsUSA students went to DMACC campus in Ankeny and the State Fair Grounds in Des Moines last week where students competed in dozens of categories from construction to diesel equipment to additive manufacturing.

There, the kids got to meet with their peers from around the state and share their proficiency in various trade skills.

“Everyone’s was so cool,” said Causey. “I was so impressed.”

Energized and inspired from seeing the work of other students, Causey said she is looking forward to sticking with SkillsUSA and competing again in next year’s contest, now with her sights on going to the nationals.

“I think that more people should be active and do SkillsUSA,” she said.

Along with Causey bringing home the silver medal in welding sculpture, the Charles City chapter received the Quality Chapter Award for completing the Chapter Excellence Program.