Meet Devon Colburn, a 2014 Sutherlin High School graduate.
Much of Devon’s education took place within the Sutherlin School District, where he participated in the district’s special education program. During high school, he was very active in the Sutherlin Special Olympic teams, competing in soccer, basketball, and baseball. In 2014, Devon and his Sutherlin team members represented Oregon’s Basketball Team competing at the national level, where the team took the silver medal in the championship game. In addition to participating in Special Olympic athletic programs, Devon also assisted as the equipment manager for the high school football teams. It was during his team manager experience that he became acquainted with the woodworking shop program when football coach Josh Gary began teaching that program. It was in woodshop classes that Devon found an interest that was not only satisfying but creative and allowed him to work with his hands. In the woodshop, he learned how to work with different tools, as well as learning basic skills such as cutting, measuring, sanding, staining, and finishing. His favorite woodshop projects were the different signs he created.
He found his most challenging class in high school was Geometry, a course he was required to take to graduate. Devon appreciates the aid Instructional Assistant Wade Wells provided in helping him understand the geometrical concepts and successfully passing the required course.
Devon would like to see expanded opportunities for students to explore additional career options in the trades and believes a cooking class would be very beneficial. He mentions that while he can cook eggs, grill cheese sandwiches and fix ramen noodles, it would be nice if he knew/learned a bit more about cooking, he really appreciates his sister’s cooking skills.
After Devon graduated in 2014, he continued at Sutherlin High School for one more year, mainly in the woodshop program. During this time, instructors Josh Gary and Wes Crawford introduced him to Woodgrains & Stone Inc., a local custom cabinetry and countertop company located in Sutherlin. Devon began working at Woodgrains & Stone Inc, and has worked there the past nine years, he is a cabinet finisher and deliveryman. His work week begins at 7:00am and ends at 4:30pm, working Monday through Friday and some weekends. His work involves sanding, using a spraying machine, staining, and applying a finishing coat on cabinet doors. Once the cabinets have been assembled, he also delivers them to the work site, unloading and placing them for installation.
Devon continues to live in Sutherlin, renting from his grandparents and assisting them with their household requirements. He enjoys driving his car and hopes to eventually own his own home. In the meantime, he enjoys watching sports on TV and traveling, supporting his niece who competes in cheer competitions, “People cheered me on, now it’s nice that I can give back by being the one encouraging and cheering someone else on”.
Devon continues to give back to the community and schools, acknowledging he would not be where he is if not for the support given him by community and school members. He is excited to see the woodshop and agricultural/welding programs expanding and hopes the district will continue to make improvements.