A total of $12,500 in MTI scholarships were awarded to high school seniors at Saturday’s competition
Moline, IL.—Sparks were flying at Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) this past Saturday as several high school seniors across the Quad Cities region competed for a chance to demonstrate their welding skills and the opportunity to win an MTI scholarship.
Eight high school seniors received $500 scholarship awards, but the top prizes went to the winners of the competition:
- First Place: Connor Behary of Hammond Area Career Center; awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Hammond Area Career Center will also receive a $1,000 donation from MTI.
- Second Place: Aaron Ricketts of Burlington High School; awarded a $2,500 scholarship.
- Third Place: Michael Timmerman of Burlington High School; awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
The MTI High School Welding Competition was held Saturday, April 10th, 2021 at MTI’s Moline, IL campus location. The annual competition resumed this year after being canceled last year due to COVID-19.
Director of High School Admissions, Louie Schonauer, described the importance of this year’s competition amidst the challenging times facing high school seniors: “We’re here to help seniors find their path after high school, specifically those who are interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades. We are excited to see the seniors here today who are interested in being a part of the future of the welding industry.”
Competitors came from across the Quad Cities region, representing the following high schools: Hammond Area Career Center, Burlington High School, Muscatine High School, Mercer County High School, River Ridge High School, Durant High School, and Alleman High School.
The welding competition offers high school students more than an opportunity to showcase their welding talents. Participants and their families had the opportunity to tour MTI’s campus, meet with Financial Aid and Admissions Representatives, and learn more about MTI’s Journeyman Welder Programs.