Easton Roth, a Maize High School 2024 graduate, has always liked working with his hands. He decided to look into the welding program at WSU Tech, which would allow him to work toward his associate’s degree while in high school.

For two years, during his junior and senior years of high school, he spent a half day at WSU Tech’s welding program in downtown Wichita. He also played baseball for Maize High School and wove baseball workouts and practices into his daily schedule.

“It was a lot at first, but then I kind of got into the groove of things,” Easton said.

Students in the WSU Tech welding program gain knowledge in cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding. The classes also include lab instruction, blueprint reading, and sketching.

Easton also took general education classes to count toward college credit, including English, history, and computer classes.

“I’ve met a lot of new people from different schools that I wouldn’t usually meet from all different backgrounds. I’ve made some really good friends, and that’s my favorite part about it,” he said. “And I’ve also learned a skill that I can have for the rest of my life.”

Easton is going to attend Iowa Western Community College to play baseball in the fall. He isn’t sure what he’s going to major in, and said he wants to see where his baseball career takes him. After college, Easton said he’s interested in building his own furniture and design pieces.

“He earned experience and certifications that will benefit him in his future,” said Lindsay King, Director of College and Career Readiness for Maize USD 266. “Through this program, Easton also demonstrated persistence, initiative, and commitment, which will serve him well in all his future endeavors.

Easton is the son of Stefanie and Jusin Roth and also has a younger brother in Maize schools.

Note: Maize USD 266 is highlighting some of its Class of 2024, which included 567 graduates from Maize High School and Maize South High School. Congratulations to all of our graduates!

Check out all of the stories in the series

• Grad Raheel Bsharat, who has been cooking for her family and community for years, is pursuing a degree in Wichita State University’s hospitality program. Click here to read her story.
• Grad Devin Short, who served as a U.S. Senate page during his junior year in Washington D.C., is returning to the capital to attend Georgetown. Click here to read his story.
• Grad Abigail Amend, who spent the last two years on the campus of Fort Hays State University, is attending Kansas State University in the fall to become a physical therapist. Click here to read her story.