Among the winners were, from left, Carlos Castenada and Matthew Redding, both of CCHS, Michael Causey of Worth County, Daniel Trejo of CCHS and Aubrey Mathis of Lee County.

MOULTRIE, Ga. — On Friday, March 8, Colquitt County High School hosted its annual welding competition. Welding students from 18 school districts entered as well as home schooled students. There were 87 contestants. Cairo High School welding students planned to attend but were unable to do so. Instead they are helping with tornado cleanup in their town.

Sponsors this year included Tulsa Welding School, Lincoln Electric, Airgas, Cooper Welding, Hypertherm Equipment, Miller Electric, Jones Welding, Lasseter Tractor and Demott Tractor.

The grand prize winner of the competition, Aubrey Mathis of Lee County High School earned a full scholarship valued at $17,850 to Tulsa Welding School in Jacksonville, Fla., a MIG 210  Multi Process Welder Machine from Lincoln Electric, and an angle grinder.

Second place winner Daniel Trejo of CCHS took home a 50 percent scholarship to Tulsa Welding School valued at $8,925. And a full personal protective equipment kit.

Third place went to Michael Causey of Worth County, who received a one-quarter tuition scholarship to Tulsa Welding as well as a helmet and gloves.

Matthew Redding and Carlos Castaneda, both students at CCHS, received welding helmets and gloves.

Every senior contestant earned a $500 scholarship to Tulsa Welding School. Lincoln Electric donated gloves, welding caps and glasses for each student who entered the competition.

This year, juniors who excelled were also recognized with prizes: P.J. Whigham of Thomas County Central was awarded first place, Ben McCrary and Adam Phillips of Lee County were awarded second and third place.

Steve Mattson of Lincoln Electric addressed the competitors, speaking about the welding profession and the numerous job opportunities to be found. Mark Clark of Tulsa Welding School presented a special award in the form of a belt buckle to CCHS Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Director Tim Hobbs recognizing his twenty-plus years of service to students in the area of career and technical education, calling Hobbs a “champion of the profession.”

The CCHS SKILLS USA club offered lunch in the form of hamburgers and pizza.