Nurse and GMG alumna Kaylea Duden demonstrating with a dummy how to administer an IV. PHOTOS COURTESY BRITTANY RAYMOND/GMG iJAG

GARWIN – GMG Secondary (grades 7-12) hosted a highly-successful CTE Career Olympics day at the campus in Garwin on Friday, March 27, welcoming dozens of local businesses and employers for a full day of activities.

The day started with an opening ceremony featuring several speakers, including Garwin Mayor Matt Deam, state Rep. Dean Fisher of Montour, and student captains.

Students then headed to warm-up activities before beginning their rotations through at least six different 40-minute workshops. All the workshops were hands-on and immersive, allowing students to try out skills in different trades including business, electrical, media, first responders, esports, healthcare, and more.

The day was expertly organized by the GMG CTE department’s certified staff including Erin Murty (Agriculture/FFA), Taylor Fevold (Business), Jeff Pitts (Shop), Michelle Sharp (Family and Consumer Science), and Brittany Raymond (iJAG). Lunch was provided by the Tama County Pork Producers and the CTE department.

Employers/volunteers in attendance for 2026 GMG CTE Olympics

Garwin Fire and Ambulance conducting an accident scene simulation with GMG students at the new fire station in downtown Garwin.

-Garwin Fire Department

-Emerson

-Rising Realty: Sierra Kriegel

-Raymond’s Station

-The Pie Lady: Laura Bru (alumni)

James Linden with the Iowa DNR teaching students about local wildlife.

-G & B Trucking: Garrett Groth (alumni)

-McFarland Clinic Physical Therapy

-Lincoln Savings Bank

-MCC eSports

-Tama Co Sheriff’s Office: Detective Luke Dvorak (alumni)

Kevin Thomas with Thomas Company showing students how to wire in lights and switches.

-KWLL: Joe Cornwell (Alumni)

-Real Deals: Michelle Burgess (Alumni)

-Thomas Company: Kevin Thomas

-Price Electric

-Lenah Marie Esthetics: Lenah Hood (alumni)

GMG alumna Lenah Hood with Lenah Marie Esthetics showing students how to mix an anti-aging face cream on their partner’s hand.

-Steckelberg Veterinary Clinic

-Iowa DNR: James Linden

-NextEra Energy/Salt Creek Wind

-New Century FS

-Midland Aircraft: Brady (flight instructor)

Celsey with New Century FS showing students how to drive the spray simulator.

-MidAmerican Energy: Joaquin Fitzsimmons (alumni)

-Steve Fiscus: Electrician

-Shelby Weave: Nurse

-Kaylea Duden: Nurse (alumni)

-Cara Ferch: EMT

-Summer Beichley: Small Business Owner (alumni)

-Iowa Association For The Education Of Young Children: Melissa Ellis

-Mayor of Garwin Matt Deam

-State Rep. Dean Fisher

-Currie Family

-Brent Beichley: Donated food

-Lorie Raymond: Volunteer (alumni)

-Connie Donovan: Volunteer (alumni)

-Lexi Vazquez: Volunteer (alumni)

-Aubree Runner: Volunteer (alumni)

-Jacob Cornwell: Volunteer (alumni)

-Steph Flink: iJAG volunteer

-Theisens: Donated prizes

Brady, a flight instructor with Midland Aircraft, showing students in the main gymnasium how to get the ultimate distance with paper airplanes.