Team advances to state level in Mobile, Alabama
HANCEVILLE – On March 15, 2024, DeKalb County Technology Center Welding Instructor Russell McFall took six students to compete in the SkillsUSA Central East District Welding Contest held at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, AL. Multiple counties that make up the District came together to compete for the top two spots to represent their district at the state level. The contest consisted of an advanced and beginner category. Advanced students had to complete a steel and aluminum project using four different welding processes in multiple positions and joint designs. Beginner students had to complete a welding project with two different welding rods in multiple positions and joint designs using the stick process for their test.
McFall stated, “I want to thank Wallace State Community College welding instructor Randy Hammond and staff for hosting the contest. A lot goes into hosting a contest like this, and I appreciate their time and effort.” McFall added, “This is the first time we have swept both categories at the district level. We came very close back in 2018, taking five out of the six places but never all six spots. I’m super proud of my students’ performances, and four of them will represent the Central East District at the state level and compete against the other districts. McFall explained, “SkillsUSA State Welding Championships in Career Tech Education are different than sports like basketball and football. We have five total districts across the state with multiple counties in them that make up a district. So, each district has a contest with all of their counties to decide who is in the top two in each category. Each district brings the top two that placed in their competitions to Mobile for the state championship. So you’re looking at only ten total students who compete in the advanced category and ten total students who compete in the beginner category.
DeKalb County Career Tech Supervisor Jonathan Phillips stated, “ Outstanding work by students and Mr. McFall, anytime you can sweep a welding contest is a major achievement. The success of our students at the district is a testament to the hard work students put in throughout the year in preparation for SkillsUSA. I am looking forward to seeing our students perform at the state, and I wish them good luck. Go, Miners”