Dipping vat they designed helps curb New World screwworm
A unique dipping vat helping ranchers fight the New World screwworm recently led to national acclaim and recognition from members of President Donald Trump’s cabinet for Boerne-Champion High School student welders.
Displaying images of their vat — affectionately known as T-REX for its size and resemblance to the saurian — members of the school’s agricultural mechanics program took to the Freedom 250 Land & Prosperity Day celebration stage June 27.
They touted the group’s project and voiced support for national vocational education efforts.
Led by instructor Dorman Vick, the students traveled to Washington, D.C., on June 25 and were recognized two days later, including by members of Trump’s inner circle.
“This group of incredible kids ... are here today as the first high school group of kids to ever bring a project to the national level to be recognized,” Vick said. “What an historic day for vocational education and the future of this great nation.”
The students were recognized for designing and building the T-REX Mobile Dipping VAT, the first project ever built by high school ag mechanics students for use by the state of Texas.
T-REX is in place in South Texas, being used to help safeguard the U.S. cattle industry from the spread of the New World screwworm, which can be fatal to livestock.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins invited the students to serve as keynote speakers on the National Mall, sharing how career and technical education instruction has prepared them for success and transformed their futures.
In addition to Rollins, the students also met with members of the president’s cabinet including Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling.
“This experience wasn’t just about recognition,” Vick said. “It was about showing the nation what’s possible when students are given opportunities to develop real-world skills, discover their passions and believe in themselves.”
Boerne Independent School District Superintendent Kristin Craft praised the group for representing the district at the national level.
“For more than 20 years, Mr. Vick has inspired students to dream big and achieve extraordinary things,” Craft said. “Watching our students represent Boerne ISD on a national stage is a powerful reminder that learning can take students farther than they ever imagined.”
With the U.S. Capitol behind them, Vick and his students spoke on the National Mall about “The Power of Vocational Education.”
“I believe this will start a movement across America that’s going to put our kids’ hands back to work,” Vick said. “Watch out in your neighborhood, because vocational education is coming at you.”
In addition to Rollins, the students also met with members of the president’s cabinet including Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling.
Vick said McMahon spent time learning about the T-REX and other previous U.S. Department of Agriculture projects.
“She was so impressed that she is making plans to visit our program in the coming school year,” he added.
The educator said the recent plaudits are the culmination of the efforts of today’s students and as well as the ones who came before.
“I could not be prouder of every current and former student who has helped build this program over the past 21 years,” Vick posted to his Facebook page, Vick Welding-Nation. “This recognition belongs to all of you and proves what is possible when young people are given the opportunity to learn skilled trades, work hard and dream big.”
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“I believe this will start a movement across America that’s going to put our kids’ hands back to work.”
— Dorman Vick
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