TSTC welding students bring the heat for Chamber banquet
Texas State Technical College is bringing the heat.
First-semester Welding Technology students at the Breckenridge TSTC campus are constructing a tailgate grill that will be sold to the highest bidder on Nov. 9 at the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce’s Denim & Diamonds banquet and auction.
“We were happy to be asked to participate when the chamber approached us for a donation,” said Debbie Karl, TSTC associate provost.”We decided this would be a great way for our welding students to shine and show off some of their skills in a real-world setting,”
TSTC welding instructor Stephen Hope said he was excited for the opportunity for his students.
“These guys are learning to work as a team. Some of the skills needed to construct the grill is stuff they won’t learn until next semester, so they are really getting ahead of the curve for this,” Hope said.
The six students working on the grill are all pursuing a Certificate Level 1 in Structural Welding. They completed most of the work on the project in just two days.
“We have a tight deadline, but these guys have really stepped up. We have some finishing touches to make it look good, but they are working together really well and taking pride in their work. I think this will be a great piece to show how much our students love their skill,” Hope said.
Welding student Noah Martin said he has enjoyed the process.
“This has definitely been a team effort, and I think it will be a great way to show what we can do and put a good word out there about TSTC,” Martin said.
The Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet and auction event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Stephens County Ag Barn, on County Road 245, just off of U.S. Highway 180 East. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the event officially starting at 6:30 p.m. Catering will be provided by Canyon Road Barn & Grill, and musical entertainment, courtesy of Canyon Road, will be provided by Breakingstride. This year’s theme will be Denim and Diamonds.
Tickets cost $50 each and can be purchased at the Chamber office, 100 E. Elm St. Admission includes dinner and drinks (this is a 21-and-up event). Tickets purchased with a debit/credit card cost $52.
The event includes a variety of items to be auctioned off to attendees as a fundraiser for the Chamber.
For more information about the banquet, call the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce at 254-559-2301.
For more information about TSTC, go online at tstc.edu.
Story by Sarah Trocolli/TSTC
Cutline, top photo: Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor Stephen Hope (right) stands with his students and their tailgate grill that will be sold to the highest bidder at the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce’s Denim & Diamonds banquet and auction. (Photo courtesy of TSTC)
