Roseburg High's Higen Spani: A Bright Future in Welding

When Higen Spani, a senior at Roseburg High School, realized he didn't want to spend his life confined to an office, he found his true passion in the school's CTE (trade) programs. Now, with several welding certifications under his belt and an internship at Con Vey in Roseburg, Spani is poised to enter a high-demand career in welding. A native of Roseburg, Spani's family moved away during his early childhood and returned when he was in the 4th grade. Upon entering Roseburg High School as a freshman, he was drawn to the CTE trade programs and enrolled in an automotive course to indulge his love for working with his hands. By his sophomore year, he had discovered the perfect blend of drafting and welding, which allowed him to bring his digital designs to life. Spani fondly recalls a deer hoist he made for his grandfather, a project that helped hone his welding skills. Through three years of Roseburg High's welding program, Spani earned his flat welding certification, as well as certifications in stick, hard wire, and dual shield, all of which he achieved as part of his high school education. “Getting the opportunity to learn these trades is amazing. We have a great facility here at RHS.” Spani said. Spani also had some advice for younger kids thinking about their career. “Try lots of areas, trades and different career paths as early as possible. There’s so many options and opportunities. Take advantage of them.” Aaron Eubank, the Roseburg High School welding instructor, has had Spani as a student since Eubank arrived at RHS in January of 2022. He said he loves seeing students like Spani succeed. “I really pour my heart and soul into these students, especially those who take it really seriously. I want to make them as successful as possible.” Eubank says the opportunities in the welding industry are everywhere. He has several other seniors that will very likely go into welding as a career he said. “Opportunities are endless. It’s a huge industry and the demand for workers is just out the door.” Eubank said. Eubank has also really appreciated the support from administration at RHS and the district for the welding program. He’s hoping to expand the welding program and even get an assistant at some point. In 39 days, Spani will graduate from Roseburg High High School. He will then work out the rest of his internship at Con Vey. After that, Spani has enlisted in the Army for 91 Echo as an allied trade specialist. He will be enlisting as a fabricator and is looking forward to exploring many of the other areas of the welding trade. He leaves for South Carolina on August 7th. His emotions are a mixed. “It’s exciting and a bit scary. Exciting this chapter is almost over, but the unknown ahead is always scary.” Spani also reflected on his time at RHS coming to a close. “Being a senior, I’m going to miss it. There are a lot of great people here. It will be bittersweet.” Photos by Ryan Finlay Photo 1 - Higen Spanni operating a CNC plasma cutting machine Photo 2 - Aaron Eubank working with Spanni and another student Photo 3 - Higen Spanni Photo 4 - The deer hoist Higen built for his grandfather (photo courtesy of Higen Spanni) Photo 5 - Other Roseburg High School welding students at work