The magic of flipping the switch and having electricity bring power to the world intrigued Tate Vasey enough to influence his choice of a career.

The Electrical Technology student was recently named Perry Technical Institute’s Student of the Month for January.

Vasey was raised in Aberdeen, Washington, and Halfway, Oregon. He moved to Yakima for his senior year, graduating from Highland High School in 1997.

Vasey worked for the Forest Service and did several seasonal jobs before enrolling in Perry’s Electrical Program. He married Lindsey Lenox last fall and decided to return to school. “I figured it was time to settle down and get a career,” he said.

Vasey’s instructors praise his work ethic and the example he sets for fellow students. “Tate has demonstrated drive, commitment and enthusiasm to achieve his goals here at PTI,” said Mike Tucker, head of the Electrical Department.

In addition to maintaining a high grade point average, Vasey serves as president of the program’s safety committee and works part time in the rental shop at White Pass Ski Resort.