Several Big Spring High School Students recently traveled to Corpus Christ to compete in the Skills USA State welding competition and in turn received several awards for their designs and work.
Junior Andrea McCormack led the way as she is the first female welding student from Big Spring High School to receive a “Best of Show” for her chair design according to welding teacher Milton Woody. McCormack also received a superior rating as well as a blue ribbon.
McCormack, a first year welding student, stated that it's exciting to receive such an honor. “I'm very proud of myself but I couldn't do it with Mr. Woody.” McCormack said. “His guidance really gave me confidence that I could do this and so I'm just proud of the fact that I was able to accomplish this and again couldn't do it without him (Mr. Woody).”
McCormack plans to continue participating in welding and is also considering going a trade school after college. McCormack went on to thank her family, friends, and again Mr. Woody for all of their support and encouragement.
Other students that received awards at the state competition include Leila Franco – superior rating and a blue ribbon for her dragon head sculpture, Alina Chavez-Martinez – superior rating and a blue ribbon for her owl sculpture, Daliyah O'Hara – superior rating and a blue ribbon for her flower sculpture, Koltyn Kitchens – superior rating and a blue ribbon for his Texas themed bbq pit, and Kaleb Thomas – superior rating and a blue ribbon for his hand forged flower, stems, and leaves sculpture.
The trio of Lucas Chavez, Jeremiah Presas, and Joshua Rios all earned a superior rating and blue ribbon for their combined work on an elephant scultpture. Adryen Guerra also received a superior rating and blur ribbon for his work yard swing chair. Jorge Arroyo Nieves rounded out Big Spring's showing receiving a superior rating and blue ribbon for wings sculpture.
Woody expressed how proud he is of his students hard work and accomplishments and that everyday they continue to amaze him.
“I'm just super proud these kids and everything that they are accomplishing.” Woody stated. “All the credit goes to these kids. Yes I teach these kids how to use the tools and guide them but everything else is on them. The hard work, the creativity is all them and it's just an amazing thing to see these young adults have so much passion and determination. I'm just proud of them.”
Woody went on to say that welding program has seen a lot of success this year and it just continues to grow and get better. Woody's goal moving forward is to continue to help guide his students and hopefully set them up for success and a potential career after high school.
“I want these kids to succeed after high school and if I can continue to do my part then im happy.” Woody said. “A lot of these kids are starting to realize that they can have career after high school doing this now and again if I can help them achieve that then I'm all for it”
