Several high schools were represented at Moraine Valley Community College’s annual High School Welding Skills Competition on Feb. 9.
Teams of students from Argo, Evergreen Park, Joliet West and Stagg high schools participated in the competition in the Moraine Valley welding classrooms and labs. Moraine Valley hosts this yearly event to test students’ skills and introduce them to the facilities at the college.

High school students compete at Moraine Valley Community College’s annual High School Welding Skills Competition.
Students took a written exam on welding terms and practical applications and had to perform a specific weld they would do in the real world. Their hands-on work was judged on visual appearance and workmanship by Dave Viar, Moraine Valley instructor and program coordinator of welding, along with other experts in the field. Some of Viar’s students also helped with the event.
In addition to individual results at different skill levels, first place overall went to Evergreen Park High School, second place to Argo High School and third place to Joliet West High School. First and second place winners won scholarships.
“This competition is good exposure for our Welding Program and for the high school students. I talked to them about the opportunities in this field and the unions. We have the best welding program probably in the state, and many of our faculty are heavily involved in the American Welding Society,” Viar said.
The event was co-sponsored by the Moraine Area Career System and the college.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.