Nine Comfrey juniors and seniors participated in the 2007 Technical Skills Challenge at Minnesota West-Worthington on April 4th. Kyle Kopischke, Aaron Ludewig, Erica Matter and Trisha Lewis (seniors) entered the Graphic Design Category with their self-designed ad campaign for a fictitious sporting goods store called Hike and Bike. Emily Mathiowetz (senior) competed in Digital Photography. Four juniors - Wesley Davis, Jody Hanson, Jamie Sulflow & Ally Lindgren - were entered in Accounting. Comfrey made a strong showing at the event, which included nine other Southwest Minnesota schools. Trisha & Erica placed third in Graphic Design, while Comfrey swept four of the top five spots in accounting with 1st place going to Jody, 2nd to Wesley and 3rd to Jamie. Complete results from the day can be accessed here.

Three Comfrey seniors competed in the 2006 Technical Skills Challenge at Minnesota West-Pipestone on April 5th. This contest is hosted by Minnesota West and the Southwest/West Central Cooperative in Marshall. Kyle Liesenfeld placed 1st in Digital Photography and Tim Schwab tied with an Edgerton student for 3rd place. Students were evaluated on the quality of their photography and design of their display board; they were also judged on a five-minute presentation explaining their work. The theme of the entries needed to be centered around the idea of "celebration." Kyle's work featured a "Celebraton of Freedom" while Tim's celebrated "Architecture in My Home Town."

John Davis competed in the Website Design category. He had a half-hour interview with the SW/WC judge and another industry professional discussing a website he created. Since all other competitors in the category withdrew, John competed only against himself. SW/WC judge Tom Huff later told Comfrey instructor Dana Miller, "Had there been others entered in the category today, John would have been a contender for top prize. We asked a lot of technical questions, and he really knows his stuff." John’s website is on a notable person in the community. To view it, go to www.geocities.com/my_notable_person. Kyle and Tim’s photography is on display at the high school inside the main doors near the lunchroom.

More information can be found out about this competion at www.lifetimeoflearning.com/technical_skills_challenge.htm.