Newport student state champion in SkillsUSA

NEWPORT - At the 2026 State Leadership and Skills Conference for SkillsUSA Washington, three students from Newport earned a medal in their respective competitions, with a freshman becoming state champion in his event. Jordan Alvarez is heading to the National Conference in June after winning first place in the Employment Applications Competition. Also pictured is sophomore James Collins who placed second in the same competition.

Senior Grace Newlun also placed second at State in welding sculpture for the second year in a row.

Other students who represented Newport’s SkillsUSA Chapter at the 2026 State Leadership and Skills Conference are Prestyn Holley, Jordan Alvarez, James Collins, Noah Erickson, Aidan Kramer, and Case Rushing. They were accompanied by advisors Brandon McDaniel and Travis Stott to compete against other high achieving students in the State. Noah Erickson and Aidan Kramer competed in firefighting at a local fire station; Prestyn Holley competed in welding; and Case Rushing competed in welding sculpture.

The event took place at the Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, April 16-18.