Tea students earn scholarships awarded at welding competition

WATERTOWN – Six high school welders across South Dakota took home cutting-edge welding equipment and the senior winners earned full-ride Build Dakota college scholarships last week at the 2024 Lake Area Technical College Weld-Off in Watertown. 

Event organizer Katie Paulson said nearly 400 students from 40 high schools competed in the one-day event which was held on the Lake Area Tech campus. The competition included two divisions, in which students were provided blueprints and necessary parts to complete a complex welding project. Participants were also required to complete a written welding exam. The top three winners in each division were:  

Beginner Division: 

1. Landry Coy, Tea Area High School

2. Conner Crowser, Belle Fourche High School

3. Tucker Wingert, Tea Area High School

Advanced Division: 

1. Evett Lewno, Hamlin High School

2. Shane McDaniels, Hamlin High School (Scholarship Winner)

3. Parker Wilson, Tea Area High School (Scholarship Winner)

The senior students in each category earned Build Dakota Scholarships to Lake Area Tech, which covers the full cost of tuition, fees, books, and tools.

“The Weld-Off is an amazing opportunity for high school 10-12 graders to showcase their skills, network with industry leaders from across the region, and learn about the latest trends in welding,” Paulson said. 

“It allows students to explore educational and career opportunities with experts in the field. And of course, for the winners, it can be life-changing,” continued Paulson. 

Paulson said the event would not be possible without support from industry leaders who provide financial support, prizes, equipment, and other resources. This year’s sponsors included: Marmen Energy, AOX Welding Supply, Miller Welders, Masaba, Crenlo, Terex, and Pivotal Health Solutions (Pivotal Printing).

In addition, Marmen Energy and AOX Welding Supply provided Certified Welding Inspectors who served as competition judges. “Supporting programs like this is essential for the future of the welding industry,” said Leah Stelley of Marmen Energy. Her comment was echoed by Tiffany Anderson of AOX Welding Supply who said, “We’re proud to contribute to developing the next generation of welding professionals and offering opportunities for young talent to showcase their skills.”

Founded in 1965, Lake Area Tech was South Dakota’s first technical college and was named the nation’s best two-year college in 2017. The college offers 31 programs in high-demand career fields and has an enrollment of 2,600 students. For more information visit: www.lakeareatech.edu.