Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) presented a $1,000 check donation and plaque to Limestone Community High School in Bartonville, IL on May 3rd, 2021 following the annual MTI High School Welding Competition.
The $1,000 donation was part of the award for the first-place winner of the competition, Nathan Richards, senior at Limestone Community High School, and will be used to support the high school’s welding department. Nathan was also given a plaque with his name and accomplishment on it to be displayed at the school.
In attendance for the presentation was also Mr. Seals, Welding Teacher at Limestone Community High School. The donation was presented by Brittany Lawson, High School Representative at MTI’s East Peoria campus.
MTI’s High School Welding Competition was held at the East Peoria, IL campus on Saturday, April 17th, 2021. First place of the senior division was awarded to Nathan Richards of Limestone Community High School, who was awarded a $5,000 MTI scholarship. Finishing in second place was Carson Kelly of Livingston Area Career Center, who was awarded a $2,500 MTI scholarship. Drew Burns of Livingston Area Career Center finished in third place and was awarded a $1,000 MTI scholarship.
“We have seen over the last year how essential the skilled trades are in our everyday life,” says Louie Schonauer, Director of High School Admissions at MTI. “We are honored to be a part of training the future of the welding industry workforce, and we are proud to support the welding programs in our local high schools. This training is so important to students who are looking for a path after high school that doesn’t include traditional 2-year or 4-year college, but still offers the opportunity for a fulfilling career. That’s our goal at MTI, to prepare students to gain employment in the skilled trades industry.”
MTI’s High School Welding Competition is an annual competition for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in the welding industry. All participants in the welding competition received a $500 MTI scholarship. A total of $19,000 in MTI scholarships were awarded to high school seniors at this year’s competition. The competition involves a timed welding project that is judged before a panel of welding experts.
