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Lincoln-Way SkillsUSA clubs organized their annual district welding contest on March 13th at Lincoln-Way Central, drawing participation from 84 student welders. These students competed in three categories: Intermediate, Advanced, and Pro. Sean Eakin from Lincoln-Way West won the Intermediate division, Luke Thornsbury from Central topped the Advanced level, and Leeland Walsh from Lincoln-Way West secured first place in the Pro division.
The event attracted approximately 400 attendees, including industry professionals who served as judges and guest speakers. The program distributed $36,000 in awards, gifts, and scholarships to participants and SkillsUSA members. Tools and equipment were also provided to support students' future careers.
Funding for these awards partly came from a raffle held during the contest. This year's raffle featured nine prizes: three HJM Warrior Electric all-terrain bicycles, three JBL Party Box speakers, and three Yeti 35 coolers.
Over five years, the contest has raised $71,000 for SkillsUSA members and various charities. Of this amount, $21,000 was awarded to organizations such as the PFC Aaron Toppen Foundation and the Illinois USO.
Lincoln-Way offers welding courses with an enrollment of 275 students taught by instructors Daymon Gast, Rob Fazio, Timothy McDavid, and Jason Visny across different levels.
SkillsUSA is a leadership organization that aims to foster individual success in personal development and career skills grounded in academics. It prepares students for workplace success through its programs.
Daymon Gast has been teaching welding at Lincoln-Way for 22 years with notable achievements such as coaching state champions in welding fabrication. He is an American Welding Society Certified Weld Inspector among other qualifications.
