Students from across the region put their welding skills to the test at a first-of-its-kind competition hosted by Lake Land College. The school’s Laker Connect Dual Credit program welcomed 55 high school students for its inaugural High School Welding Competition.

Top honors among seniors went to Brayden Nickle of South Vermillion High School. He earned a 500-dollar tuition waiver to Lake Land College, along with professional welding equipment donated by industry partners.

Other top senior finishers included Colten Cottrell of South Vermillion in second place, and Evan Lay of Sullivan High School in third. In the junior division, Landen Miller of Mattoon High School took first place. Jase Martin of South Vermillion finished second, and Michael Althoff of Teutopolis High School placed third.

Event organizers say the competition gave students a chance to showcase their skills while connecting with industry professionals. Director of Dual Credit Tessa Wiles says the college was excited by the level of participation and hopes to grow the event in the future.

More than a dozen area high schools took part in the competition, with support from several industry partners who helped judge the event and provide prizes. For more information on the dual credit program, visit the Lake Land College website.