The Clark County Youth Commission recently honored Washougal High School senior Ulysses Ramel with the 2018 Clark County Youth Achievement Award recognizing youth who have demonstrated personal growth and contributed to their communities.
Both of those achievements apply to Ramel, who moved to Washougal from the Philippines in the middle of his freshman year of high school, and quickly developed a reputation as a 3D printing and software guru who went above and beyond in his role as a school librarian aide.
“His growth, from when I met him in his sophomore year … is like a climbing ladder,” Washougal High School library media specialist Hillary Marshall said of Ramel, whom she nominated for the youth award. “I’ve seen him gain confidence. But he’s a really humble young man, and I’ve tried to help give him opportunities to share his passion, because he’s taught me an awful lot.”
Instead of doing the normal library check-ins and shelving books, like most library student aides, Ramel has helped Marshall utilize high-tech equipment, like the library’s new Dremel 3D40 printer, purchased in the spring of 2017.
Marshall tasked Ramel with assembling the printer. After that, the Washougal senior was hooked. He has since spent countless hours learning about 3D printing software, creating 3D models and creating instructions for other students.