Clark County students take part in annual welding rodeo

Over 40 student welders worked together to create western themed art with donated scrap metal at Springfield Clark Career Technology Center’s 7th annual Welding Rodeo.

Brian Sheward, welding and fabrication instructor at Springfield Clark CTC, said the goal of the Welding Rodeo is to collaborate in order to build knowledge, understanding and awareness about the growing field of welding.

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“We just want to bring awareness to the community about the welding environment,” Sheward said. “This allows the public to come and see what their students can do.”

This year’s western rodeo theme was selected by the students, Sheward said. During the rodeo, students are given five hours to construct whatever they want out of scrap metal donated by local businesses.

“Students could make a cowboy hat, bow and arrow, whatever they think follows the theme,” Sheward said.

Evan Shaw, a senior welding student at Springfield Clark CTC, and his group decided to construct an outdoor scene.

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“We’re making a bow with some quivers and some hatchets,” Shaw said. “One of them is going to look like it’s stuck into a piece of a log.”

Because the goal of the rodeo is to help get the public involved in the profession of welding, after students have completed their art, it is auctioned off to the general public.

“Proceeds from the auction go back into the school and towards two $500 scholarships to senior students,” Sheward said. “We will also do $500 towards Honor Flight, where we help send a veteran to D.C.”

Scholarships are awarded to senior students who want to further their education within welding at a college.

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