Career & Technical Education CTE at FSHS

08/18/2026

A huge THANK YOU to Bl**er Swisslube for supporting our machining program at Fort Scott High School by donating coolant and, just as importantly, taking the time to train me on proper mixing, application, and use!

A special thank you to Kent Ayers with Bl**er Swisslube for sharing his knowledge, answering my questions, and helping me become more confident in using the coolant correctly.

08/15/2026

There’s something pretty special about getting your first new CNC mill up and running, but even more special is having industry partners willing to step into your shop and help you learn how to make the most of it.

A huge THANK YOU to Van Becelaere Machine Works, Inc. Machine Works in Pittsburg, KS for investing their time and expertise in me and the students at Fort Scott High School. Specifically, thank you Dusty Schalk and Sam Culp!!!

They didn’t just help me get the machine running. They taught me the things that don’t always come in a manual:

🔹 How to properly indicate and tram in a vise
🔹 How to set up and load tooling
🔹 How to organize and manage tooling
🔹 How to operate our Jet horizontal/vertical band saw
🔹 How to approach the setup and workflow of a professional machine shop
🔹 And, most importantly, how to think like a machinist

As a CTE teacher, I’m constantly reminding my students that you don’t have to know everything but you have to be willing to learn. Having industry professionals willing to share their knowledge makes that lesson real.

This new mill is more than a piece of equipment. It represents opportunity, hands-on learning, and a stronger connection between our classroom and the manufacturing industry.

I’m incredibly grateful for companies like VanBecelaere Machine Works that recognize the value of investing in CTE education and are willing to help us build the next generation of skilled manufacturers.

Thank you for helping me become a better instructor so I can help my students become better machinists. 🙌

06/10/2026

Our students represented our programs well at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, competing against some of the top career and technical education students from across the country.

Our Additive Manufacturing team, consisting of a freshman and sophomore, placed 33rd in a highly competitive field of 35 teams. As one of the youngest teams in the competition, they gained valuable national-level experience and established a strong foundation for future success.

In Automated Manufacturing Technology, our team of two sophomores and one senior placed 22nd while competing against 29 of the nation’s best teams. The competition challenged students with advanced manufacturing, machining, and technical problem-solving skills, providing important experience they can build on moving forward.

Senior Rylan represented our school in Information Technology Services, earning an impressive 11th-place finish out of 29 competitors. Finishing just outside the top ten at the national level is a testament to his technical knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to his craft.

While competitions often focus on rankings, the true value comes from the growth, experience, and inspiration students gain from competing alongside the best in the nation. We are proud of each competitor for stepping up to the challenge, representing our school with professionalism, and bringing home new skills and motivation for the future.

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

Two days of designing, building, testing, and problem-solving came down to today for our SkillsUSA Additive Manufacturing team, Cole Doherty and Ryland Valentine.

After spending the last two days creating an airplane launch mechanism, they weren’t sure how their design would perform. Like many competitors, they were questioning whether it was good enough. Rather than focusing on outcomes, they shifted their mindset and decided to focus on what they could learn to better prepare themselves for next year.

Because that’s why we come to Nationals. We come not just to compete, but to find inspiration, gain motivation, and grow.

After a long day of presentations, judging, and testing, their mechanism launched the airplane an impressive 12.5 feet. More importantly, they walked away with something even better than a score.

Both students looked at each other and said, “Wow, we did much better than we thought.”

And that’s why I’m here.

Not for the medals or rankings, but for moments like this. Moments when students discover they are capable of more than they ever believed. Watching them challenge themselves, overcome doubt, and exceed their own expectations is the real victory. Thank you SkillsUSA for creating these opportunities.

No matter where the final standings fall, these two have already succeeded.

06/03/2026

What an intense day at SkillsUSA Nationals for our FSHS competitors!

Our Automated Manufacturing Technology team: Lincoln Fess (blueprint design), Cooper Murrow (toolpath programming), and Gavin Griffiths (CNC machining) spent 8 hours machining two of three required parts, completing an additional four challenge drawings, and solving machining math problems.

Our Additive Manufacturing team, Cole Doherty and Ryland Valentine, dedicated 8 hours to refining their airplane launcher adapter design and completed an industry certification exam.

In Information Support Services, Rylan Miller worked through a series of computer troubleshooting and problem-solving modules.

A long day of competition, focus, and perseverance. We’re proud of the way these students represented FSHS AND KS and put their skills to the test!

06/03/2026

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Gene Haas Foundation for their generous support of our Fort Scott High School CNC students as they represented KS at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference. EACH of our Automated Manufacturing Technology team students received $1,000 to help pay for travel expenses this week. Competing on the national stage allows students to showcase their technical skills, gain valuable industry experience, and connect with future career opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Thank you for believing in the next generation of skilled machinists and manufacturing professionals. Your generosity helps open doors and inspires students to pursue excellence in their craft.

06/02/2026

Live!!!!

06/02/2026

SkillsUSA Nationals Additive Manufacturing (3D design & 3D printing) students Cole Doherty & Ryland Valentine had a long day today. 8 hours of mini challenge and the main challenge of creating an airplane that will be 3D printed and launched. More details to come!