Cameron Decker, an 11th grader at Ringwood High School, is making the most of his time at Northwest Tech in Fairview, where he is enrolled in the Automotive program. A multi-sport athlete, competing in football, cross country, track, and powerlifting, Cameron thrives on pushing himself to new limits both on the field and in the classroom. One of his most memorable athletic moments came during his freshman year when he qualified for state in powerlifting, an achievement he credits to the guidance of seniors Hayden Hutchins and Carson Heibert, who pushed him to train harder while keeping the experience fun.
At Northwest Tech, Cameron has found a learning environment that matches his hands-on, active style. “I first heard about Tech from my school, and I liked that it gets me out of sitting in classes,” he said. “It’s fun if you don’t like sitting in a classroom all day because it’s more hands-on.” In the Automotive program, Cameron is gaining practical skills he knows will benefit him for years to come. From understanding how engines work to learning how to maintain and repair vehicles, he’s building a foundation that combines real-world experience with classroom knowledge.
While Cameron hasn’t yet settled on a specific career path after high school, he values the practical lessons Northwest Tech provides. “It teaches me useful, practical things,” he said. Beyond the technical skills, the program is helping him develop problem-solving abilities and independence that will serve him well in any future endeavor.
Whether lifting in the gym, running on the track, or working under the hood of a car, Cameron’s dedication and curiosity are clear. He encourages other students to give Tech a try: “It’s fun and a great way to learn skills that are actually useful.” With a strong work ethic and a love for hands-on learning, Cameron is building both the knowledge and the mindset to take on whatever comes next, on the field, in the shop, or beyond.
