Gray receives scholarship and top honors in AWA welding contest

Robert "Bobby" Gray (center) of Bronaugh High School recently won first place in the American Welding Academy (AWA) Welding Contest on Feb. 4.

Submitted Photo

Senior Robert “Bobby” Gray of Bronaugh High School recently won a scholarship and awards from MWI (Missouri Welding Institute) and AWA (American Welding Academy) located in Union, Mo.

Gray competed against 250 contestants from all over the country (such as: California, Florida, and Texas), and placed fourth place overall in the welding competition at MWI on Jan. 27.

The competition consisted in three different categories, which included a written test, visual inspection of the weld, and completion time. Gray went on to compete in the AWA Welding Contest on Feb. 4, where he won first place. He had to perform only one test in that competition — a visual only, and he had to complete it within one hour.

Gray received and won the following prizes and awards: A full ride scholarship for a 24-week program (which consists of Pipe Welding and Pipe Fitting Courses), valued at $23,000; a Miller Bobcat 260 Portable Welding Machine; and a lot of welding gear.

Nevada Regional Technical Center Welding Instructor Seth Coffman said that he’s extremely proud of Gray for his accomplishments.