EPHRATA – Lila Smith, a freshman at Ephrata High School, earned the title as one of the Students of the Month for May in the Ephrata School District.  

Her rapid progress in the world of welding, coupled with her enthusiasm to help others, demonstrates not only her abilities but also her potential to inspire her peers, said Kent Devine, the teacher who nominated her for student of the month. 

Under the guidance of welding teacher Devine, Smith has transformed from a novice to a formidable presence in the welding workshop.  

"At first, it was really scary to be in high school, and I was unsure if I'd like welding," Smith said. "But after working through my fears and gaining skills, I've discovered that I truly enjoy it." 

Her journey began with a personal connection to the craft; Smith’s mother is a welder, which sparked her initial interest in the class. Yet, the transition from theory to practice proved daunting.  

"In the beginning, I struggled with striking an arc," she said. "It was terrible. I thought I would never be good at this." 

However, through perseverance, additional practice and guidance from Devine, Smith’s confidence grew, and her welds began to improve significantly. 

Devine commended Smith’s progress. 

“Her development has been smoother than she thinks. With a little hands-on experience and additional time, she just took to it. Her welds look impressive for someone at her skill level,” he said. 

Devine said he held a welding competition for students where the prize for the top five students was a pizza party with him. He said four of the students who won were upperclassmen. The fifth was Smith. 

“It turns out to be kind of a battle. I mean, it's a hokey little prize, but they actually do want to be one of those top five,” Devine said. “She is one of the top five best welders in the school, as a freshman that is really impressive.”   

Smith also had the opportunity to go to state competition this year for welding.  

“I actually took her to a state competition that I normally just would not even think about freshmen for, but I took her,” Devine said.  

Another notable aspect is Smith’s proactive nature. She doesn't shy away from seeking assistance and is open to feedback, viewing challenges as opportunities to learn, she said.  

“I learned that it's not really a failure,” Smith said. “You're learning to do something that’s completely outside of the norm. The more I practiced, the better I got.” 

In addition to improving her own skills, Smith has made an impact by helping her classmates, Devine said.  

“I feel good when I can help someone else,” Smith said. “I’ve needed help before, and I want others to feel safe as they learn.”  

Devine has witnessed Smith’s willingness to mentor, describing her as a “teacher’s assistant” among her peers.  

“She goes into welding groups and helps her classmates, offering tips and guidance,” Devine said. “It’s amazing to see a freshman take such initiative.” 

Smith’s involvement extends beyond the classroom. She has engaged in community events, demonstrating welding techniques using virtual reality technology to school board members, parents and prospective students.  

"It felt great to teach something new and share my passion," Smith said.  

Her enthusiasm for the craft has helped to demystify welding for students and parents alike, Devine said.  

“She just charges away with energy and enthusiasm,” Devine said. 

As she continues to advance in her welding career, Smith aims to pursue further education in the field. She expressed her aspirations to attend the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center for welding, hoping to refine her skills even further. Smith wants to show that being a girl doesn't limit her capabilities in a male-dominated field. 

"I just want to prove that being a girl, I can do something that's typically in a man's field right now,” Smith said.  

Smith said sometimes it is challenging working with her male peers, but they are nice to her for the most part. 

“A lot of the guys in my class are definitely there,” Smith said. “I am trying to word this nicely – they don't use their brain fully, or something, I don't know. So, I just feel like I am like, ‘What are you doing most of the time?’” 

Divine said that he likes when female students join his class because they tend to listen better. 

“Honestly, girls pick it up faster than boys, but then it's kind of a non-traditional field for them to choose,” Devine said.  

Her dedication to continuous improvement is evident in her short-term goals as well. Smith is currently focused on perfecting an open-groove weld, which Devine recognizes as a significant challenge for students.  

“It's a difficult weld for anyone, but I believe she has the talent to succeed,” he said.  

Smith said she was proud that she was recognized so early in her high school career.  

“It felt so good to be recognized. I don’t consider myself someone who stands out, but this honor makes me feel accomplished,” Smith said.  

Devine said her passion for welding and willingness to help others positioned her not only as a skilled student but also as a beacon of encouragement for her peers.  

“She'll be successful at whatever she chooses, whether it's welding or not,” Devine said. “She'll be fine at it. I think she's just a genuinely good person.” 

    Freshman Lila Smith was nominated for student of the month for improvement of welding skills, going above and beyond and inspiring her peers. Smith said she originally struggled in the class; however, she has made significant progress in recent months.
  

    Kent Devine, right, nominated freshman Lila Smith, left, for the May student of the month for Ephrata School District. He said that she is excelling in welding and even if she doesn’t pursue a career in the craft, she will “do fine” in whatever she chooses.