Miller's achievement highlights her dedication and the strength of the CTE Auto Tech program.
This marks the second consecutive year that a CCISD CTE student has claimed the state title. Last year Calumet High School and CTE Autotech student Carter Worm was victorious. This year it was Houghton High School’s Miller who won the U.P. regional competition earlier in the year, earning her spot in the state finals where she competed against the top CTE Auto Tech students from across Michigan and took home the gold.
During the competition, Miller completed a series of 20-minute skills tests evaluating various technical competencies, from tool identification to diagnosing vehicle issues and determining appropriate solutions. Competitors were assessed throughout each station, with winners announced only at the conclusion of the event.
As a senior, this is Miller’s first year in the CTE Automotive Technology program. She enrolled without any background in the field. It was her interest to learn more that developed into a passion for mechanics. She started learning, loved it, and the skills just clicked with her.
"A year ago, I couldn't hardly even check my own oil," said Miller. "Mr. Narhi says that the less you know, the more you can learn, which is absolutely true in this respect. I mean, I knew nothing. And now, apparently, I know a lot."
Miller credits her success in part to dedicated study and support from her family, particularly her grandmother. "My grandma helped me study the book portions throughout this whole thing. Every single night, I'd come down the stairs for dinner, and the first thing she would say to me is, 'Have you studied yet?' She spent many hours with flash cards, asking me questions, and reading me book chapters."
Miller's CTE Auto Tech Instructor, David Narhi, who previously served as an Aviation Structural Mechanic in the U.S. Navy and more recently worked as a Service Technician with Copper Country Ford before becoming an instructor at the Copper Country ISD Career Tech Center, expressed pride in her accomplishments. "I’ve had a few exceptional students who were willing to put in the extra effort and it has shown," said Narhi. "After she took this class, it's like she's become my protégé. It's remarkable to see her pursuing the same path in the Navy that I once took."
Miller has already enlisted in the U.S. Navy and is pursuing a role as an Aviation Structural Mechanic — the same position her instructor once held. Her original ship date is scheduled for June 23rd, which coincides with the first day of the SkillsUSA National Competition in Atlanta, Ga. She has applied for an extension to allow her to compete and is awaiting a response.
"I definitely am excited," Miller said about the possibility of competing at the nationals. "Regionals and states, even though they were hard, they were fun. I thoroughly enjoyed them. And I think even if I don't do that great in Atlanta, I still think I will really enjoy it."
Looking beyond her military service, Miller plans to return to the automotive field. "I plan on returning to the auto field after I get out. I’ll serve in the military, learn everything I can, and come back to start a career in the auto field in some way."
CTE Director Corey Soumis added, "Marjorie's achievement showcases her commitment, as well as the quality of our CTE Auto Tech program and its instructor Mr. Narhi. We are incredibly proud of Marjorie’s accomplishment and the level of success that Mr. Narhi has had with his program and students. I look forward to seeing what Marjorie can do at the national level if granted an extension by the Navy so that she can compete.”
Other CCISD CTE Auto Tech students also performed admirably at the state competition. In the Automotive Service Overall Division, Jake Elenich and Seamus Kenny, seniors from Chassell High School, placed 6th and 10th out of 24 total competitors. In the Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) category, Samantha Narhi, a junior homeschool student, took 7th place, and Cara Karenen, a junior from Lake Linden-Hubbell High School, placed 10th out of the top 18 students from across the state.
The state-approved CTE Automotive Technology program at the Copper Country ISD Career Tech Center in Hancock introduces and prepares students to explore and receive training in the automotive field through a comprehensive curriculum including an introduction to automotive technology skills such as front-end alignment, engine diagnosis, electrical systems, suspension, brakes, and more.