Pictured: Allie Beerman (left) and Arly Kisner (right); photo courtesy of the Beerman and Kisner families

 

January 23, 2023  |  EFCTS

Life is better together. Friends Allie Beerman and Arly Kisner would agree. The two met through the rodeo circuit in elementary school and were both fortunate to ride in the National High School Finals Rodeo in Gillette, Wyoming, last summer.

The duo has taken their friendship into the classroom, as well. Allie is a senior at Hamilton Township Local Schools while Arly is in her junior year at Teays Valley Local School District. They both also attend the Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools Welding program, located at Eastland Career Center (ECC) in Groveport.

Pictured: Arly Kisner (courtesy The Kisner Family)

 

Arly checked out the program at Allie’s prompting, and as a hands-on learner, she said it has been the perfect fit.

“I like to design and create new things, and sitting in a classroom has always been a challenge for me,” she said.

Traditionally a male-dominated industry neither has let that stop them from pursuing their dreams. In fact, Allie and Arly are learning alongside several females that have joined the program recently.

Both name their Welcing instructor, Mr. Huston, as someone who has helped them in their journey. Arly said he has encouraged her to be creative and to bring her passion into the classroom by using horseshoes to make decorative items.

Additionally, Allie said Mr. Rollins, an ECC social studies teacher, has been a great role model.

“He loves his job and is so passionate about helping his students. I admire that because I want to be as passionate as he is about teaching with my job,” she said.

Pictured: Allie Beerman (photo courtesy of the Beerman Family)

 

Rodeo is more than a pastime for Allie and Arly. They have both learned important life lessons they are applying in the welding program and when planning for their future.

“A lesson that I’ve carried over from rodeo is that hard work and determination beat talent every time,” said Allie. “I’ve learned to do whatever it takes to achieve my goals and I will continue that mentality moving forward.”

Similarly, Arly said she’s learned that “you have to work for what you want, not wish for it.”

You might be wondering, what’s next for this pair of friends? Allie recently applied to join the Union Local 189 for plumbers and pipe fitters and said she’s excited to start her post-high school journey using everything she’s learned at ECC to further her goals. Arly plans to pursue a bachelor’s in architecture while continuing to use her welding skills for summer work, including assisting with her dad's business. She’s eyeing colleges that have a rodeo program in hopes that this can remain a part of her life, as well.

Arly Kisner (far left) and Allie Beerman (far right) are a part of the Ohio High School Rodeo Association.