After winning first place in April at the Montana SkillsUSA competition in electronics technology, recent Glacier High School graduate Tyler Godbold has studied hard to compete at the national level.

This was his first time competing in SkillsUSA; he was encouraged to compete by former welding teacher Mike Downes. Downes, who taught industrial arts and metals at Flathead Valley Community College, died unexpectedly before Godbold competed at state.

“He was a huge advocate for the SkillsUSA competition,” Godbold said.

Glacier industrial arts teacher Gordon Sheldon stepped in as Godbold’s advisor so that he could compete at the national level. Sheldon, who will be retiring this year, has been a mentor to Godbold throughout his high school career.

The SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills conference will be June 24 through 28 in Kansas City, Mo. The annual national competition brings in more than 5,900 students competing in 98 areas.

The electronics technology category will involve a written exam and customer service exam. Godbold will test his knowledge in soldering, breadboarding and troubleshooting as well as numerous circuitry and safety practices.

“It looks a lot more difficult [than the state competition] judging from previous winners,” Godbold said.

SkillsUSA is a national organization of high school- and college-level students, teachers and advisers. The program offers the chance for students to compete in different occupational and leadership areas.

“The goal is the obvious — winning — other than that, have a fun experience and meet new people in my field. There are not many people my age interested in electronics,” Godbold said.

Godbold plans to work in an electronics and technology industry as a career. He hopes to study business and eventually own an aerospace engineering corporation.

“My future includes a vision of me mentoring other youth leaders to find their potential,” Godbold said

Godbold’s mother, Ronalee Skees, created a bank account to raise money for expenses, but said Glacier High Activities Director Mark Dennehey made arrangements — with the help of the booster club — to cover all expenses in order to get plane tickets in time.

Skees said she would still like to raise the roughly $3,000 to give back to the booster club.

Donations may be made to Tyler Godbold, c/o Mountain West Bank, 444 W. Idaho St., Kalispell, MT 59904 or Glacier High Activities, 375 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com