The Colquitt County High School welding competition held on February 10, 2017, required entrants to complete various welding tasks and be scored on blueprint reading, measurements, weld appearance, cleanup, and safety. A total of 54 competitors from 8 schools participated, with Victor Cleto winning first place and a full scholarship to Tulsa Welding School, along with others receiving varying percentages of scholarships. The event was supported by several sponsors and included a written exam as a tiebreaker.

1. Colquitt County High School
Welding Competition
February 10, 2017

2. Criteria • Entrants are required to create lap, butt, and T-
welds using the gas metal art welding and
shielding metal art welding processes.
• Entrants are scored on their ability to read a
blueprint, measure, the appearance of their
weld bead, clean up, and adherence to safety
procedures.
• A written exam is administered to all students
to be used as a tiebreaker if necessary.

3. Thanks to:
• 54 Competitors from 8 schools and their teachers and parents
• Judges: Ray Nicholson, Mitch Nicholson, Darvin Flowers, Jeff Cooper
• Sponsors: Lincoln Electric, Miller Airgas, Jones Welding and Industrial
Supply
• Tony Dues and Tulsa Welding School

35. CCHS Welding Teacher Chris Naquin,
presented with the 2016 Georgia/Florida
Championship Trophy
by Tulsa Welding School Representatives

43. The Champion’s Belt Buckle

46. The Winners
• 1st Place: Victor Cleto, Colquitt County HS, Full Scholarship to Tulsa
Welding School
• 2nd Place: Jesus Rodriguez, Colquitt County HS, 50% Scholarship to
Tulsa Welding School
• 3rd Place: Francisco Martin-Hernandez, Colquitt County High School,
25% Scholarship to Tulsa Welding School
• 4th Place: Joseph Bullington, Lee County High School
• 5th Place: Kenneth Chason, Cairo High School
• Every entrant received a $500 Scholarship to Tulsa Welding School in
Jacksonville, Florida