Ridgeland, MS. – Several Jackson, Mississippi region high school students received scholarships for their welding skills at the annual Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College Regional High School Welding Competition held Saturday, February 23, 2019. This was the first regional competition hosted at Delta Tech’s Ridgeland campus.
The MTI and DTC Regional HS Welding Competition is an invite-only competition for motivated high school students who want to prove that they have what it takes to be a welder. All participants in the regional welding competition received a $500 Delta Tech Scholarship and had the opportunity to win up to $10,000 in additional scholarships. Each participant completed a timed welding project that was judged before a panel of welding experts.
In the senior division, first place was awarded to Dustin Christensen of McLaurin High School, who won a $10,000 Delta Tech scholarship. Finishing in second place was Mayson Wade of Warren Central High School, who was awarded a $5,000 Delta Tech scholarship. Alexis Odoms of Warren Central High School finished in third place, winning a $2,500 Delta Tech scholarship.
In the junior division, first place was awarded to Josh Sullivan (Magee, MS) who won a $5,000 Delta Tech scholarship. Dalton Freeman (Mendenhall, MS) finished second in the junior division and was awarded a $2,500 Delta Tech scholarship.
Director of High School Admissions, Louie Schonauer, described the atmosphere of this year’s competition:
“What stood out was not just the enthusiasm of this year’s participants, but the outpour of encouragement and celebration from the families. This event was all about family and friends supporting the participants in competing for the chance at a scholarship. These scholarships have the potential to change participants lives through education. That’s what this is truly all about.”
Established in 2007, the competition offers high school students more than an opportunity to showcase their welding talents. Participants also had the opportunity to enroll in one of Delta Tech’s Welding Programs. Our welding programs provide skills and hands-on training geared to meet the tough demands of today’s employers. The objective is for our students to gain entry-level employment across the country in the manufacturing, construction and maintenance fields. The Delta Tech certifications we issue our graduates maximize employability potential in the welding industry.
For interview requests and other media inquiries, contact Louie Schonauer at 309-566-9580
To see more photos from the competition, visit our Facebook album.
