Lincoln-Way SkillsUSA clubs hosted the annual district welding contest, their largest event of the year, on March 13th at Lincoln-Way Central. Eighty-four student welders participated in the contest, competing across three categories: Intermediate, Advanced, and Pro. In the intermediate division, Sean Eakin from Lincoln-Way West came in first place. At the advanced level, Luke Thornsbury from Central came out on top. In the pro division, first place was awarded to Leeland Walsh from Lincoln-Way West. We are proud of every student who participated in the contest this year.
The contest drew approximately 400 people in attendance, as well as welding industry guests who served as judges, guest speakers and observers of the contest.
This year, the program was able to provide a total of $36,000 in awards, gifts, and scholarships to contestants and its SkillsUSA members, including tools and equipment that can be used as they pursue their careers.
To fund some of the awards and scholarships, SkillsUSA and welding students host a raffle as part of the welding contest each year. This year, the raffle included nine prizes; Three HJM Warrior Electric all terrain bicycles, three JBL Party Box speakers, and three Yeti 35 coolers.
Over the past five years, the contest has generated $71,000 for its SkillsUSA members, welders and charities. A total of $21,000 has been award to the PFC Aaron Toppen Foundation, the Illinois USO, the American Heart Association, the J and J Memorial Foundation.
Lincoln-Way currently has 275 students enrolled in welding courses across the district. There are three different levels of welding offered throughout the district, and they are taught by four welding instructors: Daymon Gast, Rob Fazio, Timothy McDavid and Jason Visny.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors:
Chicago Pipefitters Local 597
Boilermakers Local 1
Universal Technical Institute
American Combustion Service Inc
Big Daddy Scrap, Fronius International
Canadian National Railway
Collision and Restoration LLC.
Fronius International
Gold Sponsors:
Weldstar
Joliet Junior College Welding Technology
HTH Mechanical Service
Ozinga Concrete
Midwest Cage
Berkots Super Foods
Silver Sponsors:
Cosgrove Construction
Trails Edge Restaurant
Altorfer Caterpillar
Northern Illinois Steel
IBEW Local 176
National Tube Supply
143 Rigging, Inc.
Durkin Electric
Sturdi Iron
Social 45 Craft Kitchen
Maertin Heating and Cooling
Phillips Chevrolet
What is SkillsUSA?
SkillsUSA is a dynamic and career-oriented leadership organization focused on individual success at home, the classroom, the community and in the workplace. Involvement in SkillsUSA changes students’ lives. The experiences gained provide an excellent platform for career development and success. SkillsUSA’s programs help students develop personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics — the organization’s framework. These essential elements shape responsible, reliable employees who will one day become leaders in the economic marketplace.
About the instructor: With 25 years of experience, Daymon Gast has been teaching welding at Lincoln-Way for 22 years. Recently he was the recipient of the 2020 $36,000 grand prize grant of Miller Electric’s “Who’s Building You Mentor of the Year”. He coached the 2022 IL SkillsUSA State Champions and National SkillsUSA participants in Atlanta, Ga in Welding Fabrication, coached the East SkillsUSA Community Service team to three consecutive State Championships in 2022, 2023, 2024. In 2021 he was the Lowes Home Improvement Welding $15,000 grant money recipient. An American Welding Society Certified Weld Inspector, Certified Welder, and Certified Weld Instructor, JJC Dual Credit and former JJC Adjunct College Welding instructor. Daymon has also taught Adult Welding Classes held at Lincoln-Way East for the past 15 years. Daymon loves sharing his passion for welding with others.