An Oconto Falls graduate Jared Van Haren won the National Championship in the Sheet Metal division at the Skills USA Championships in Louisville, Kentucky last month. Initially thinking he was far behind he cruised to the finish line with his work 90 minutes before the competition ended and he took home first place gold. He said he hasn’t let the taste of victory sink in at the moment though. He is dedicated to his craft and he has joined Hurckman Mechanical in Green Bay as a pre-apprentice in hopes to enter the five year program through Sheet Metal Local 18.