Katy ISD Welding Program Earns Top Awards as Students Forge Friendships and Future Opportunities

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

February 14, 2024

By Natalie Cook Clark

Mayde Creek High School’s Career and Technical Education welding program is achieving great success transcending skill; the program ignites passion, camaraderie, forging friendships and networking opportunities.

A Successful Year

Under the direction of Mr. Ronald Mushinski, the Mayde Creek High School’s welding program is having a successful year. Welding students have entered five competitions this year academic year and have consistently finished in the top 10 among fields that consist of over 100 competitors.  

“I am so proud of their hard work and dedication as they continue to learn and grow individually as welders and collectively as a cohesive team. Their bond is so strong, which speaks to their character,” says Mr. Ronald Mushinski. “Their efforts and talent have already produced outstanding results so far this year, evident in the certifications they’ve obtained.”

Earlier this season, the team of six students placed second overall in an underwater welding competition. Among those six students was junior Rene Sandoval, who excelled individually and secured a spot in an upcoming underwater welding competition. Here, participants are fully immersed in a dive tank where they will be tasked to navigate the difficult challenges that come with welding underwater.

“Underwater welding presents its own set of challenges, and the added aesthetics make it such a unique and fun experience,” says junior Rene Sandoval. “I truly love the process of working on a project that could benefit the world and completing it to perfection.”

Left to right: Seth Arevalo, Kevin Plata, Alex Salinas, Rene Sandoval, Emilio Zuniga, Roy Sixtos

The program is preparing students for their future educational and career goals. Senior Emilio Zuniga says he is learning skills that will help him in the future.

“Being part of this team has not only honed my skills but has also solidified my passion for the profession,” says senior Emilio Zuniga. “I aspire to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, furthering my education and skills.”

The team’s next competition is on Saturday, February 17, in Hutto, Texas. The event marks another step in their journey through the TXHSWS series of contests, which will conclude this year at the State Competition in Waco, Texas.

“I am so proud and excited about the opportunities and experiences awaiting them after high school graduation,” says Mushinski. “They have such a bright future ahead of them.”

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