Wayfinding Signs Project: A Legacy of Skill, Community, and the Strength of This Generation
A year ago, the idea of creating wayfinding signs for the City of Cimarron was just a vision, an ambitious spark that needed hands, hearts, and hard work to become real. Under the guidance of welding instructor Mr. Mike Curtiss, that spark grew into a full, community‑changing project. Today, six towering Wayfinder signs, each standing 12 feet tall and 3 feet wide, will proudly mark Cimarron with both purpose and artistic beauty.
The project officially took shape in early December 2025, when designs were drafted and refined. When the new semester began in January, the CHS Ag Welding class rolled up their sleeves joined by the 8th grade Ag Explorations class, who provided essential assistance to turn those drawings into structural steel reality. Over the months that followed, the students learned a great deal: precision in measuring and fitting, how heat distortion can affect squareness and straightness, foundational and advanced welding techniques, and the finishing craft of grinding and detailing. These are not just technical skills, they are life skills in patience, accuracy, problem‑solving, and pride in workmanship.
What truly makes these signs extraordinary is the artistry behind them. Each sign features a uniquely designed back panel, created by the students themselves. Each sign has its own personality, its own story, and its own visual identity, an expression of the creativity and thoughtfulness of the young people behind the project.
Plasma Table Design and Cutouts
Ben Koehn
Halli Hessman
Khloe Robles
Sign #1
Ervin Marquez
Carlos Villatoro
Sign #2
Caleb Peterson
Matthew Kramer
Sign #3
Amelie Kite
Khloe Robles
Sign #4
Jaxon Cofer
Kade Hammas
Ethan Harrison
Callen Kassela
Riggs Nash
Spencer Vath
Christian Villatoro
Maverick Wehkamp
Sign #5
Tayten Davis
Isaak Vogel
Sign #6
Tayten Davis
Amelie Kite
Cole Woods
Mike Curtiss
Now, as these monumental signs are completed, the City of Cimarron has begun the process of installing them and it is no small task. These signs are massive, heavy, and require careful handling and coordination. A heartfelt thank‑you goes out to our dedicated city employees who are taking on the challenge of putting these structures into place. Their work ensures that the students’ creations will stand tall, stable, and proudly visible for decades to come.
The signs were completed on May 6th, 2026. Although the full group of students could not gather for a community celebration, their achievement absolutely deserves recognition. These Wayfinder’s will guide visitors and residents through Cimarron while quietly telling a story of effort, teamwork, and craftsmanship.
So, when you see these amazing students or when you see Mr. Curtiss take a moment to offer them a kind word, a handshake, or even a pat on the back. Their work is not temporary. It is not fleeting. They have built monuments that will last a lifetime, standing as daily reminders of what our youth can accomplish when they are encouraged, trusted, and given room to create.
Because this generation is not something to doubt.
This generation is something to celebrate.