MONROE, Mich. – Monroe County Community College welding technology students took home seven medals at the SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference last month in Grand Rapids, Mich.
To compete in this year’s event, MCCC students had to submit a resume, take a written exam and complete welding projects within a prescribed time limit. Award winners this year are listed below.
Dalton Benner of Monroe earned silver for his performance in the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding post-secondary category. He has completed his second year in the associate degree in welding technology program.
Michael Clark of Erie earned bronze for his performance in Gas Metal Arc Welding post-secondary category. He recently completed the AWS QC11 advanced level welder certification program.
Bailey Gillenkirk of Newport earned silver for his performance in the Shielded Metal Arc Welding post-secondary category. He is nearing the completion of an associate degree in welding technology.
Kyle Haener of Newport earned silver for his performance in the Gas Metal Arc Welding post-secondary category. He recently graduated with an associate of applied science degree in welding technology.
Thomas Jennings-Boldt of Ida earned bronze for his Shielded Metal Arc Welding post-secondary category. He has recently completed the AWS QC11 advanced level welder certification program.
Two competitors were repeat award winners from last year’s competition:
Wyatt Liedl of Dundee earned bronze for his performance in the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding post-secondary category. He has completed his second year working toward an associate degree in welding technology.
Tony Simko of Monroe earned bronze for his performance in the Overall Welding post-secondary category. The Overall Welding category is the most rigorous of the welding competitions because it includes various welding processes across multiple projects. He has completed his second year and is enrolled in the associate degree in welding technology program.
Several corporate sponsors were instrumental in assisting the team with support for participating in this year’s competition, including Alro Steel, Baker’s Gas & Welding Supplies Inc., DTE Energy, Rousch Technologies and Ventower Industries.
During a recent awards presentation for The Foundation at Monroe County Community College’s 2019 Enhancement Grant Program, the welding technology program received a $2,350 grant, a significant increase over the $1,000 grant awarded in 2018 for participation SkillsUSA competition.
“As participation in the SkillsUSA competition by our welding students has grown, The Foundation recognized an opportunity to lend more support to this program that exemplifies the intent of enhancement grants,” said Dr. Josh Myers, executive director of The Foundation.
“The Enhancement Grants Program assists faculty, staff and students to help fund the development and implementation of innovative projects that support the MCCC Mission. Competitions like SkillsUSA provide students with an opportunity to interact with professionals in their field and gauge their skills and abilities against not only their peers, but also professional standards in the industry.”
About Monroe County Community College
Founded in 1964, Monroe County Community College is a public, two-year institution supported by tax monies from Monroe County, educational funds from the State of Michigan and student tuition. The college’s mission is to enrich lives in our community by providing opportunity through student-focused, affordable, quality higher education and other learning experiences. The Main Campus is located at 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Mich., 48161, with easy access to Toledo and Detroit. The Whitman Center is located in Temperance, Mich., 48182, near the Ohio-Michigan Border. Detailed information about MCCC is available at www.monroeccc.edu.
About The Foundation at Monroe County Community College
The Foundation at Monroe County Community College is a community-based, charitable organization dedicated to the educational, literary, scientific, cultural and financial enhancement of MCCC. Established in 1999, The Foundation strengthens the community by enriching the academic and cultural experience, touching thousands of lives each year through its support for cultural arts, scholarships, and educational programs that guide and shape the civic leaders of tomorrow. For more information about the Foundation and ways to donate or support its mission visit www.monroeccc.edu/foundation.