Weld Our Soul Scholarship

I still remember the first time I struck an arc. I was young, watching welding videos online the way most kids my age watched cartoons. Something about the process captivated me. The precision, the heat, the idea that two separate pieces of metal could become one permanent bond. When a family friend let me try his welder for the first time, I was instantly hooked. From that moment on, I was a little different from other kids my age. I asked my family for a MIG welder for the holidays. It was not a small ask. The price was considerably higher than the total of all the gifts I had received in previous years combined. My parents and grandparents on both sides came together to make it happen, and it was the only gift I received for the holidays and my birthday that year. I did not care. That welder changed my life. Once I had it in my hands, I was using it every single day. While other kids my age were playing video games, I was in the shop running beads, making mistakes, grinding them down, and trying again. Before long, people in my community started coming to me for help. Neighbors would stop by with a broken bracket, a cracked frame, or a project they could not figure out. I was happy to help every time. At 14, I was not old enough to drive, but I had a reputation in my neighborhood as the kid who could weld. That welder became the foundation for the direction my life is heading today. I used it to build the arch that my stainless steel maple syrup evaporator sits on, a project that required me to measure, cut, fit, and weld a structure strong enough to support intense heat over long boiling sessions. I also use my welding skills to assist with projects at the West Monroe Volunteer Fire Department, where I have served as a volunteer firefighter since age 14 and currently hold the role of Quartermaster. Being able to fabricate and repair equipment for the department has made me a more valuable member of the team and deepened my understanding of how metal, heat, and design come together in real world applications. Welding opened the door to everything I am passionate about today. It led me to maple syrup production, fire service, and eventually to my decision to pursue Mechanical Engineering in college. I do not see welding and engineering as separate paths. Welding taught me to think with my hands, to understand how materials behave, and to take pride in building something that lasts. Engineering will give me the knowledge to design the things I want to build. Kevin McConville found his spark through welding, and so did I. I understand the pride he must have felt bringing home that first project because I have felt it too, every time I finish a weld and know it is going to hold. I hope to honor his memory by continuing to pursue the craft that lit both of our souls on fire and by using it as the foundation for a career spent building, creating, and solving problems for the people around me.

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Weld our Soul Scholarship in memory of Kevin. I am currently enrolled in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) welding program in Schoharie, NY, while attending Duanesburg High School. I’m on track to graduate in June 2026 with a Regents Honors Diploma and currently hold a GPA of 3.6. This dual enrollment reflects commitment to academic excellence and hands-on skill development. My Grandfather (PaPa), 3 Uncles and 1 Cousin have all led successful careers in welding. My PaPa was a member of the UA Local 7 Plumbers & Steamfitters for over 40 years. He has inspired my interest in welding and a deep respect for trades that require both technical precision and mental grit. I’ve worked since I was 13 years old, taking on roles in warehouses, landscaping, retail, and ski instruction. Each job taught me the value of showing up, working hard, and learning by doing. Welding offers that same satisfaction, but with the added reward of creating something that will last beyond my lifetime. I have also enjoyed applying my welding education at home where I have repaired a ladder and built a table for my family's use - it is great to be able to see my effort being used. In the shop, I’ve found a rhythm that feels right for me — gearing up, prepping materials, laying down a clean bead, and constantly improving. I’m especially drawn to STICK welding. My decision to pursue welding is rooted in a desire for economic stability, job security, and the opportunity to travel and work in dynamic industrial environments. It’s a career that aligns with my strengths and values: independence, resilience, and pride in craftsmanship. I believe welding plays a vital role in today’s society. It is the industrial backbone of our country's infrastructure, manufacturing, transportation, and energy. As technology advances, skilled welders are needed more than ever to ensure safety, durability, and innovation in construction and repair. Welding isn’t just a job—it’s a vital contribution to progress. This scholarship would help me continue my education at one of the top welding institutes in the country: Kentucky Welding Institute, Western Welding Academy, or Missouri Welding Institute. Each of these programs offers advanced training and industry connections that I believe are essential for launching a successful welding career. Attending one of these schools will require me to live away from home, which adds to the financial challenge—but I’m committed to making it work. With your support, I’ll be able to focus more fully on my training and take full advantage of the opportunities these programs provide. Thank you again for considering my application. I’m grateful for the chance to pursue a career that I love, and I’m excited for the future.

My dad was on the welding team in High School, but I never got to hear him personally tell me about this as he passed away when I was three. My mom told me about how great of a welder my dad was, which sparked my interest at a young age to become a welder. Growing up with ADHD, I was never big on academics but always loved using my hands and physical ability. I took welding in Vocational school and loved it. I was so proud of the shovel I made for my step dad’s gardening, and the bookshelf I made my mom. That was when I realized I wanted to one day make it a career. I see a future in welding for several reasons. First is that Mississippi, where I live, is lacking welders, second, I enjoy using my hands to build stuff and third the men in my family have been welders for many years . First, Welding is one of the technical areas Mississippi is really needing more employees in. Weldinc will be a great area where I will be able to find meaningful employment in a vast market. I would be able to go anywhere in Mississippi and be able to find a career. I could work at a ship yard on the coast of Mississippi, the pipeline, or in the agricultural area welding on farm equipment. Second, the first time I used a welder in vocational school it sparked a love of using my hands to create something. I enjoyed learning how to make stuff my family could use. I felt pride in the fact the shovel I made would help make a garden to provide food for my family. I loved seeing my mom’s eyes light up when she saw her new bookshelf. I realized using my hands to create something was what I wanted to do the rest of my life. Third, I come from a long line of welders. My dad’s father, my dad, my stepdad and my older brother are welders. They have taught me that it is a good career area. Welding has provided for our family for many years. My brother and I could even start our own welding business one day. My mom sparked a passion in me when I was little telling me about how great of a welder my dad was. My mom showed me pictures of some of his work, and I knew that was what I was going to grow up and one day become a welder as well. I believe I would be a great candidate for this scholarship. I will be able to honor the memory of Kevin and my dad and represent two great welders.

Words always looked funny to me and I was always misunderstood, even in my own family. I did not learn I had dyslexia until the fifth grade in which I was already considered "developmentally delayed". I never liked that label. Everyday when I showed up to school I would put my best foot forward, but my grades never reflected my goals. I set myself up to the higher standard of what I could accomplish being the typical A/B Honor Roll student. I knew I could never achieve straight A's, but I sure did try my best! Back in 2021, after COVID started, my parents decided to move the family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I did not know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read or make blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet to see what I can do. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed", it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. Last year I made a rocket stove for the local stockshow; it was the first time one of my family members came to one of my events and they were beyond proud of me. It made me feel like a success for once and not compared to the other kids. Welding allows me to be me. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder, but also help with the financial burden of how expensive college is. Both of my older sisters went to college in which I learned a thing or two from them on what not to do! I go to work at least five days out of the week after school, sometimes seven, however I go to work to put money aside to accomplish my dreams. I am putting myself through college, and the only financial assistance I am receiving is from FAFSA. My parents are kind enough to let me take a loan out of their name if needed, but I know they need the money more than me for the three younger kids for the medications and appointments. Welding is my dream and I cannot wait to begin my journey regardless of what people say as I know I have my families support and they believe in me.