Moraine Park Technical College hosted an American Welding Society (AWS) welding competition—Make Some Sparks—this spring for students, local high schoolers and community members. Nearly 30 participants competed at the College’s Fond du Lac Campus Welding Lab on April 22.
Ten Moraine Park students competed in the event, with eight earning top-10 finishes and sweeping the top three spots. Moraine Park student competitors included Arianna Bloecher, Jack Kirsch, Alexis Langhoff, Logan Last, Karina Meyer, Zachary Moreau, Andrew Pappenfuss, Nick Paul, Grant Powers and Jack Uelman.
Participants had the opportunity to compete for prizes, learn about Moraine Park’s welding program and connect with industry professionals.
Jack Kirsch, a Moraine Park Start College Now student, earned first place along with a $1,000 AWS scholarship. Fellow Moraine Park students Grant Powers and Karina Meyer secured second and third place, respectively, highlighting the strength of the College’s hands-on training.
The competition prizes were sponsored by American Welding Society, Airgas, Lincoln Electric, Matheson, Miller, Linde, Standard Iron, Komatsu and Metalcraft of Mayville.
Moraine Park’s Esteban Mendoza, economic & workforce development welding instructor, was also recognized by AWS, receiving the AWS Educator Award for his excellence in teaching, leadership and commitment to developing skilled welders.
Placements & Prizes:
1st – Jack Kirsch, $1,000 AWS Scholarship and Speedglass helmet
2nd – Grant Powers, $1,000 Metalcraft scholarship
3rd – Karina Meyer, $500 Metalcraft scholarship
4th – Kevin Keller, Lincoln Electric helmet and Amazon gift card
5th – Zachary Moreau, Matheson helmet
6th – Jack Uelman, Matheson helmet
7th – Alexis Langhoff, $150 Linde gift card
8th – Brandon Schnettler, $100 Linde gift card
9th – Nick Paul, Amazon gift cards
10th – Arianna Bloecher, Amazon gift card
