Indian Valley Vocational Center Dominates Regional Welding Competition
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The VALEES (Valley Education for Employment System) regional Welding and Fabrication Challenge brought together top high school welding programs on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the West Aurora Weisner Center, where Indian Valley Vocational Center (IVVC) emerged as the overall team champion. Competing schools included IVVC, Fox Valley Vocational Center, Oswego High School, East Aurora High School, and West Aurora High School, with each program fielding a team of eight students—two competitors in each welding process.
During the competition, students were given a blueprint and 40 minutes to complete their welds according to exact specifications, all under the supervision of experienced industry professionals. These professionals included representatives from Weldstar, the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, Fermilab, and Americhem, who not only evaluated student performance but also provided real-world insight into industry expectations. In addition, Manny Chavez and Dennis Hood, Welding Technology instructors at Waubonsee Community College, along with Admissions Advisor Daisy Sanchez, presented students with information on welding career pathways, degree and certificate programs, and next steps for continuing their education.
IVVC, under the direction of instructor Tedd Moody, delivered an outstanding performance across all categories. Students earned multiple top finishes, including first-place honors for Colton Fruit in MIG (Gas Metal Arc Welding), Isaac Vazquez in Stick (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), and Max McCarty in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas Welding). Additional top-three finishers for IVVC included Brody Rush (3rd, MIG), Jacob Cassie (2nd, Oxy-Acetylene Welding), Logan Bols (2nd, Stick), and AJ Parkinson (3rd, TIG). Judges and business partners praised IVVC students for their professionalism, attention to detail, and composure under pressure—qualities that distinguished them throughout the competition.
Beyond the competition itself, students benefited from direct interaction with industry professionals, who emphasized the importance of safety, technical skill development, and essential employability skills. Many students reflected on the experience as both challenging and rewarding. AJ Parkinson noted that the timed competition “felt like the real world of work,” while Isaac Vazquez credited preparation and confidence for the team’s success. First-year student Max McCarty described the experience as fun and eye-opening, particularly working in a new environment under strict time constraints. Jacob Cassie highlighted the importance of adaptability, explaining how he adjusted to unfamiliar equipment, while Colton Fruit valued the opportunity to connect with peers and industry professionals, expanding his understanding of career possibilities. Logan Bols appreciated learning about postsecondary opportunities, and Brody Rush emphasized the value of feedback from judges, who provided practical tips to improve both technique and performance.
Prizes and student gift bags were generously donated by Weldstar and Lincoln Electric, reinforcing the strong partnership between IVVC and industry that makes events like this possible. IVVC extends its sincere appreciation to Weldstar for its continued support of the welding program and its commitment to student success.
IVVC is extremely proud of its students’ achievements and the way they represented their school and community. Their success at the Welding and Fabrication Challenge reflects not only their technical ability, but also their dedication, professionalism, and readiness to enter the skilled trades workforce.