Alex Pazkowski
Click State for Competitor
WORLD INVITEES
The American Welding Society recognizes the dedication and effort put forth by all of the SkillsUSA Welding competitors from around the United States.
Bridger KeyesHome School
Chanute, Kansas
Instr: Will Jordan
"I've chosen welding because the demand for welders will always be around, it pays well and its an all-around good trade to learn."
I am a home-schooled student in high school. I believe that God has blessed me with this talent and I feel that I should do it to His glory. My experience at the Skills USA National Competition was amazing! It was great that there we so many people willing to work hard at what they are good at and to use their abilities in their communities. It was a great experience to compete with the best in the nation and even meet with them. Though I placed 6th nationally in the welding competition, I was thankful for the opportunity to even be there. I hope to compete next year.
Jake BatesCollege of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls, Idaho
Instr: Brian Sprinkle
Every weld is a signature... I want mine on the building blocks of our everyday lives; and anything that goes fast…
Started off in the automotive industry with exhaust and the race car fabrication. Quickly learned I needed some schooling under my belt to be at the level of craftsmanship I wanted to be involved with. After schooling at the College of Southern Idaho and going through the Skills program I have a much needed heads-up on the competition.
Jennifer SiegelCollege of Southern Idaho
Boise, Idaho
Instr: Brian Sprinkle
Welding became a dream of mine after watching a friend of mine weld metal signs and work on his model A truck. I have always thrived in jobs where I was using my hands and making things. Welding in particular is exciting because you have to think on your feet and problem solve on a daily basis.
I went back to school for my welding associates at the age of 33 because I needed a change. I had been running a small cleaning business for seven years and felt the need to do something more technical and challenging, and of course the lure of competitive wages called me too.
Cody LindamoodSoutheast Community College
Milford, Nebraska
Instr: Matt Donner
I am from Farmersville, TX, a small town outside of Dallas, TX about an hour. My parents, Angel and Elmer, and my little sister, Lexi, are very supportive of me becoming a welder. They are happy that I am at Southeast Community College in Milford, NE learning what I love to do.
Kreg PolishGreat Basin College
Elko, Nebraska
Instr: John Licht
Well I started welding because I was hurt really bad in my last job and was not able to continue working there because of how badly I was hurt we hit a 69,000 volts power line and I was electrocuted they got my heart going again so in essence I am so Lucky and blessed to be alive . Once I started healing from my accident I was offered an opportunity to work in the fab shop that our corporation had and the boss there was very nice and kind to me and allowed me to start welding and learning things in that line of work he told me I had a talent and natural ability to weld and help me pursue schooling and skills USA did compete in welding skills USA was one of the best experiences I've ever had to compete in to see others and to make new friends and have that experience of being able to weld the competitive way it was priceless this year I am the president of sk! ills USA in my college for post secondary and I'm encouraging everybody on campus to compete in any competition they can.
Austin PopeckiSalem County Vocational
Technical School
Woodstown, New Jersey
Instr: Melvin McCollum
Austin is a senior enrolled in the Welding Technology program at Salem County Vocational Technical School. Originally, Austin wanted to attend the vo-tech to study automotive technology, but eventually chose the welding program and has excelled ever since. He plans on continuing his welding education next fall at Ohio Technical College.
Andrew DesjardinBlackstone Valley Regional Vocational
Technical High School
Upton, Massachusetts
Instr: Daniel Rivera
"I explored various careers and found welding was fascinating, bonding metal together so easily. You have to have a steady hand and be able to really concentrate. This is a challenge I find rewarding."
Motivated by my emerging passion in ninth grade I enrolled in Manufacturing and Engineering Technology and displayed a natural aptitude for welding. My instructor encouraged me to put my skill to the test in the SkillsUSA competition. I joined SkillsUSA as a sophomore. During junior & senior year I earned the gold medal at the state level and enjoyed competing nationally. Continually honing my skills, competing with the best and being judged professionally really prepared me for the work world. At times it was difficult to keep motivated, when I might rather be out doing something with my friends, I came in after school and on the weekends, and put in the extra time. It’s true what they say… hard work really pays off. The hard work has paid off not only in gold medals, but also in the form of career opportunities. Following graduation I began working a! s a TIG welder and remain confident in my future using the skills and experience I've gained as part of my participation in SkillsUSA.
Jason BillsOzarks Technical Community College
Springfield, Missouri
Instr: Jim Bridwell
"My current job offered an incentive program to get 32 credit hrs in job related skill training for a 10% raise. I took welding classes and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I weld and fabricate at work."
I am a former marine and currently employed with a local utility company. I do mostly welding and fabricating for the vehicle maintenance dept. I get to make a lot of functional things that all the utility crews use everyday. The competition was unlike anything I expected. It was very challenging and rewarding at the same time. It really helps to put your abilities to a test with others to see what you are really capable of. I hope to compete again this year, can't wait.
Nick FisherJ Harley Bonds Career Center
Taylors, South Carolina
Instr: Todd Varholi
"I chose welding because of the passion and desire it takes to perform such a task along with the dedication of learning a very useful trade in todays society."
I was born and raised in North Carolina then moved to South Carolina were I had learned about welding. With such dedicated teachers at bonds career center, they had pushed me to my limits and showed me what great things I could accomplish if I put my heart into it and with that it took my team members and I to the skills USA competition. Putting our hard earned talents on the test for who was better and with a good competitive spirit that I have our team took the state championship with ease and pushed on to the national league were we met and befriended many other students with the same passion and desire as us. With all that being said I would have to conclude by saying that skills USA changed my life and personal knowings in an amazing way and I wish that I wouldn't change a thing.
Brent RobertsTennessee Technology Center at Elizabethton
Elizabethton, Tennessee
Instr: Dale Hicks
Brent Roberts was an exceptional student. He always came into the classroom willing to go the extra mile. Because of his dedication to the profession Brent was hired immediately upon graduating. He is certified in structural welding through American Welding Society.
Patrick HowardTennessee Technology Center at Elizabethton
Elizabethton, Tennessee
Instr: Dale Hicks
Patrick is a very talented student, he is very knowledgeable of his trade. Patrick is married and has three year old son. He has been employed for nine months at American Food Service welding stainless steel, where he has had the opportunity to travel to New York and Texas welding.
Teddy LeeTennessee Technology Center at Elizabethton
Elizabethton, Tennessee
Instr: Dale Hicks
Teddy Lee enrolled in the Welding Technology program May 2012. While enrolled, Teddy had the opportunity to learn new skills and work on various community projects. Teddy was also able to work as a co-op student with the Railcar Repair Service. Teddy not only competed in SkillsUSA in the Welding Technology competition, but he also crafted several pieces that were auctioned off during TTC-Harriman’s Fourth Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction, our annual SkillsUSA fundraiser.
Ashton SargerAustin community College
Round Rock, Texas
Instr: Thomas Hinkle
I chose welding to master the trade, make money, and live a honest live doing what i love.
I am 21 years old, my passion is aluminum TIG welding, i am taking inspection courses and will be a CWI in 9 months. SkillsUSA is a great competition, i will be going for individual next competition and if it goes well, worlds.
Bradley HaydenBurlington
Technical Center
Burlington, Vermont
Instr: Bob Coulliard
Brad is currently enrolled at Burlington Technical Center in Welding and Metal Fabrication. As part of his program, he works for Hazeletts Strip-Casting Corp. Bradley plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology for Welding and Fabrication Technology Engineering in the fall.
"I chose welding because it sounded so cool to be able to weld stuff together. I started welding my freshman year of High School and felt in love with it! I have been welding ever since."
Emmanuel RodriguezPullman High School
Pullman, Washington
Instr: Vincent Hanley
Hello, My name is Emmanuel Rodriguez. I had a blast at all the competitions I participated in. I definitely learned a lot about welding, but learned more about myself. I was always nervous at first but then felt really comfortable once I actually started welding. I had to work hard to accomplish what i did and don`t regret anything about it.
Brock RoseNiagara High School
Niagara, Wisconsin
Instr: Lance Ellis
Brock Rose goes to Niagara High School in Niagara, Wisconsin. His instructor was Lance Ellis. Brock, for the second year in a row, is Wisconsin’s High School State Welding gold medal winner. He looks forward to competing to be in the final six next year.
Nick HammerFlat Rock High School
Flat Rock, Michigan
Instr: Jim Fowler
Nick Hammer will be competing in the 2013 Skills USA competition. Nick attends Flat Rock High School in Flat Rock, Michigan. His welding instructor was Jim Fowler.
Luke StolarskiWashtenaw
Community College
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Instr: Ashley Webel/Glenn Kay
Luke Stolarski will be competing in the 2013 Skills USA competition. Luke attends Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His welding instructors were Ashley Webel and Glenn Kay.
Trevor LeborgneBerlin
High School
Berlin, New Hampshire
Instr: Dennis Carrier
Becoming the State of NH Champion with the opportunity to compete nationally has been a desire of mine since my sophomore year. Berlin High School’s Career & Technical Education Welding Technology Program has afforded me these incredible opportunities. Who would have imagined that a rural, small-town high school student would be participating in SkillsUSA National Conference representing the State of New Hampshire; it’s simply awesome!
Christopher CookCochise College
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Instr: Scott Brown
Chris Cook is 20 years old and following in the footsteps of his father Richard Cook, Arizona State winner for welding in 1990. Chris has recently acquired a part time job with Tombstone Welding Inc. while working on finishing up his degree at Cochise College. Enjoys designing parts in Plasma Cam software and cutting out off-road parts for his 1963 GMC truck while making it into a one of kind rock crawler.
Isaiah GasparKofa High School
Yuma, Arizona
Instr: Ron Pixley
My name is Isaiah Gaspar and I started welding my first year of high school. Since then I have been able to weld for three years, heavily involved in the SkillsUsa program. This has allowed me to gain both experience and knowledge regarding my welding trade. I hope to be able to continue learning and one day be able to pursue a career in aerospace.
