12-04-2025
Moline students prepare for Illinois regional welding competition
In the D-wing of Moline High School, industrial tech seniors have been working hours each week to prepare for the upcoming Illinois Regional High School Welding Competition at Midwest Technical Institute. On Saturday, they will be given a blueprint, which they will have to weld to the best of their ability.
'So we practice like most positions we think are going to be in the contest and we just practice, practice, practice until perfect and so we're going to do as best as we can do,' said Moline High School senior Aden Gulick.
While each student will receive a $500 scholarship for participating, an additional $5,000 is on the line for whoever wins.
'It is good that we all go as a group, but we also remember it's a competition,' said Gulick.
Some students are psyching themselves up for the big day.
'(I'm) expecting to at least get top three, trying to get up there,' said Moline High School senior Elijah Rivera.
Others are going there to prove themselves.
'When I get out there I just want to show the instructors that I deserve a scholarship and even if I don't get the scholarship I just show the dedication that I want to go to their school,' said Moline High School senior Anthony Gluck.
Even though they are competing, their teacher says they still support each other.
'They're always willing to go and show somebody else some tips and tricks to help better prepare themselves for whether it be this competition or just general assignments,' said Moline High School industrial technology teacher Andrew Lamfers.
No matter who wins officially, Lamfers believes each student will win a valuable experience.
'It's a lot of work,' said Lamfers. 'Welding's a great career opportunity for these kids. I think over the last two years pushing them and showing them what opportunities are out there and what's available, it's a career that's in high demand right now. They're really just pushing toward bettering themselves for a better future.'
Last year's competition awarded $36,000 in scholarships.
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