Charlie's Journey from CTE to Engineering Excellence

Charlie Warnke, a recent graduate of Olympic High School, is now pursuing his dream of studying Engineering, focusing on Civil Engineering, at NC State University. His journey from high school to college is not just about personal ambition; it's a testament to the impact of the Olympic High School Foundation's support on students like Charlie.

While at Olympic High School, Charlie discovered the coursework in Career & Technical Education (CTE), taught by Mr. Wykoff, to be not only interesting but also instrumental in advancing his education and equipping him with a distinctive skill set.

His interest in engineering may have been sparked by popsicle sticks in a Building Bridges Club his dad started at his elementary school. However the skills he further refined in the engineering and advanced manufacturing courses at Olympic set him on a path for professional success. In the CTE program, Charlie became very proficient in using the CNC routing and milling machines, 3D printer, and manual routing and milling techniques. Many of the advanced manufacturing machines were purchased with a grant from the Olympic High School Foundation.

As a result of his coursework, Charlie had two summer internships at SEAS & Cardinal Fabrication, where he produced high-quality ornamental metal designs used in architectural applications. This past spring, Charlie attended NC State University College of Engineering open house where he met Professor Amos Tucker in the engineering lab. Professor Tucker was immediately impressed by Charlie’s knowledge and expertise with the machines in the lab and offered him a teaching assistant job when he returned to begin his freshman year.

“It was a pretty cool and proud moment for me,” said Charlie, as he reflected on that experience.

As Mr. Wykoff, one of Charlie's teachers at Olympic High School, states, "The foundation's support enriches our students' like Charlie’s educational experience and equips them with valuable skills. It's the kind of support that shapes futures."

Charlie Warnke's success story exemplifies the transformative power of CTE programs and dedicated educators. Through the support of the Olympic High School Foundation, students like Charlie are empowered to reach their full potential and pursue their dreams.