Firefightings finest gold

Myriah Porter takes gold Photo: Times photo by Cherri Crockett

Myriah Porter stands next to Peru Engine 1 proudly displaying her gold medal she won at the state Skills USA Competition in Bangor recently. Porter is a junior at Dirigo High School.

PERU- Myriah Porter took home the gold during the state Skills USA Convention that was held March 10 and 11 in Bangor, with her two classmates, Savannah Swett and Delani Littlefield taking bronze and silver, respectively.
The three were competing on behalf of Foster Tech in Farmington, where they won their spot to go to the state competition back in January.

Porter attends Dirigo High School, but due to the lack of a junior firefighting program in the area, she chose to travel to Farmington to gain her firefighting education.

Roughly 30 other students from Foster Tech attended for various competitions; ranging from health care to firefighting. There were a total of 25 students competing in the firefighting during the two days, of which, there were only five females.

“When we found out that we swept all three medals I was so proud of my friends,” noted Porter. “I didn't even think that I had just won gold. It was so exciting.”

Porter will now travel to Kansas City, Missouri on June 20 for the national competition that will be a week-long Skills USA convention. She will be joined by two other students from Foster Tech, both are in television production.

While the state competition had 50 questions, Porter expects to face upwards of 100 at the national level. Her mental preparedness will come with time, but she is studying the paperwork to be sure she isn't forgetting anything.

Currently, she is preparing for the physical aspect of the competition by getting in her cardiovascular and upper body strength training a minimum of five days a week.
“I am really scared for the competitions, but I am excited to meet people from all over the country that are just as interested in firefighting as I am,” stated Porter. “I'm glad to be representing Maine in Nationals, its already a big accomplishment.”

Porter noted that she is very thankful to Mike Jodrey and the crew at Bethel Fire Department for allowing her time to train rolling hoses the week prior to competition. “I'm so thankful to have so many local supporters,” stated Porter. “Richard Jones of the Mexico Fire Department came to cheer me on, and of course, my mom and David. When I got back, as soon as my uncle Timmy (Holland) heard the news he told everyone he could. And, when I showed my grandpa Holland my medal, he was very emotional. He was very proud of me. I have a lot of support in what I'm doing.”

While Porter is still a junior in high school, her hope is to become a full time firefighter after she graduates from Dirigo High School in the spring of 2012.