GMG Hosts Successful CTE Career Olympics

Local businesses and employers participate in hands-on workshops for students

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring repeated images of a paper airplane, a spray simulator, and a medical training dummy, representing the diverse career-focused activities at the GMG CTE Career Olympics.Hands-on workshops at the GMG CTE Career Olympics let students explore a variety of technical and vocational skills.Garwin Today

GMG Secondary School in Garwin, Iowa hosted a highly successful CTE (Career and Technical Education) Career Olympics event on March 27, 2026. The day-long event featured dozens of local businesses and employers who led hands-on workshops and demonstrations for students across a variety of career paths including business, electrical, media, first responders, esports, healthcare, and more.

Why it matters

The CTE Career Olympics provided GMG students with valuable real-world exposure to different career options and allowed them to gain practical experience in various trades and industries. This type of immersive career exploration is crucial for helping students discover their interests and talents as they prepare for life after high school.

The details

The event kicked off with an opening ceremony featuring speakers like the Garwin mayor and a state representative. Students then rotated through at least six 40-minute workshops led by local employers and professionals. Workshops covered topics like flight instruction, spray simulation, administering IVs, wiring lights and switches, mixing skincare products, and wildlife education. Lunch was provided by the Tama County Pork Producers.

  • The CTE Career Olympics took place on Friday, March 27, 2026.
  • The event ran for a full day at the GMG Secondary School campus in Garwin, Iowa.

The players

GMG Secondary School

A public secondary school serving grades 7-12 in Garwin, Iowa that hosted the CTE Career Olympics event.

Erin Murty

The GMG CTE department's certified staff member who helped organize the Agriculture/FFA workshops.

Taylor Fevold

The GMG CTE department's certified staff member who helped organize the Business workshops.

Jeff Pitts

The GMG CTE department's certified staff member who helped organize the Shop workshops.

Michelle Sharp

The GMG CTE department's certified staff member who helped organize the Family and Consumer Science workshops.

Brittany Raymond

The GMG CTE department's certified staff member who helped organize the iJAG workshops.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The CTE Career Olympics provided our students with an incredible opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths and gain hands-on experience. We're grateful to all the local businesses and employers who volunteered their time to make this event a huge success.”

— Erin Murty, GMG CTE Department Staff

What’s next

GMG plans to make the CTE Career Olympics an annual event, continuing to expand the number of participating employers and career-focused workshops offered to students.

The takeaway

By partnering with local businesses and professionals, GMG Secondary School is giving its students invaluable real-world exposure to diverse career options and pathways. Events like the CTE Career Olympics help prepare the next generation for success after high school.