Travis Rogers wants to have his own company some day, and at the rate he’s going, it just might happen sooner than he thinks.

By day, the Selma native takes classes on the field of masonry. By night, he works as a welder for the Bush Hog Company.

It’s Rogers’ determination, mixed with sheer talent and an eye for detail that made both his teachers and others in the profession realize this young man is going places.

Just a few weeks ago Rogers received top prize at the Alabama Vocational Club of America Conference in Montgomery.

The VICA Conference is a time for vocational students across the state to show off their various trade skills during weekend-long competitions.

As a student at Wallace Community College Selma, Rogers competed against 20 others from across the state in the masonry competition.

“I had to build a block and brick wall in three hours,” Rogers said. “There were about five or six judges, who were teachers and professionals, who determined the winner based on quality of work.”

Rogers said he was nervous during the competition, and was shocked when he was announced the winner.

“I surprised my own self,” Roger said. “During the competition, I was so nervous but kept telling myself ‘you can only do your best’.”

His instructor at WCCS, on the other hand, was not surprised at all by the results.

“I realized from day one that he had a special gift,” said WCCS instructor Kenny Allen. “Travis has a natural ability. He’s a good student and a good role model. I wish we could get a lot more like him in the program.”

Rogers said he got a chance to watch some of the other competitions during the VICA. Conference, but biggest audience was at the event he was in.

“I wasn’t used to working with all these people watching me. That’s what really made me nervous, but now I know I can do it. Now I believe in myself, so next time I won’t be worried.”

This June, Rogers will be attended the National VICA Conference in Kansas City, Mo., where he will be competing against people from all across the country in the masonry competition.

It will be tough challenge, but Rogers said he is up to the task.

Even if he doesn’t do as well, Rogers can feel confident in knowing he has already been named as one of the best masonry students in the state. Along with this honor, VICA also presented him with a medal, a plaque, and some tools.

With two more semesters to go before he graduates from the WCCS masonry program, Roger still has chance to defend his title.

Maybe one day soon, citizens of Selma will be calling on Rogers for all their building needs.