Auburn School District students took top honors at the Washington State SkillsUSA Competition on April 18-19 in Vancouver, Wash.

Three students – Auburn High School’s Neal Wilkinson and Auburn Riverside’s Chris Jaques and Spencer Jones – qualified to represent Washington at the national tournament in Kansas City on June 22-28.

In automotive, Wilkinson, a junior, captured first place in the power engine technology division, specifically the small gas engine contest.

In electronics, Jaques, a junior, was state champion in the computer maintenance technology contest. Jones, a senior, was first in advanced electronics.

Other top performances from Auburn Riverside were: Dylan Hoffner (senior, second, advanced electronics); Derek Clarke (sophomore, second, basic electronics); and Ian McCuistion (senior, third, basic electronics).

Elsewhere

Marjorie Ellen Rommel, a 1961 graduate of Auburn High School, earned a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from Pacific Lutheran University. Rommel worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, and studied at Green River Community College, Highline Community College and the University of Washington. Each year, more than 700 students graduate from PLU.