CCC Hosts fifth annual High School Welding Competition

Staff Reports | Cleveland Community College

Now in its fifth year, CCC’s High School Welding Competition continues to play a vital role in preparing students for high-demand careers in skilled trades. | Courtesy photo.

Cleveland Community College — CCC welcomed the county’s top young welding talent on Friday, May 1, 2026, for its fifth annual High School Welding Competition. The event kicked off at 9 a.m. and featured 16 student competitors — four each from Burns High School, Crest High School, Kings Mountain High School, and Shelby High School —demonstrating their technical skills and precision in a hands-on, industry-style challenge. The

participants received specific guidelines to complete a weld assembly using the SMAW process, and the welds had to be performed in several different positions.

“This competition highlights not only the students’ technical abilities, but also their dedication, discipline, and readiness to enter the workforce,” said Bruce Mack, CCC’s vice president of academic affairs. “We’re proud to provide an opportunity that connects education with real-world industry expectations.”

Each participating school’s top competitor received a $500 scholarship to attend CCC’s welding program, made possible through generous community support. This year’s recipients are as follows:

(Welding winners continued below...)

Burns High School: Carter Hamrick — Margaret P. Goodman Endowed Scholarship.

Crest High School: Zack Morrison — Michael David Scott Parsons Endowed Scholarship.

Kings Mountain High School: Colt Dixon — Cleveland Association of Government Officials (CAGO) Endowed Scholarship.

Shelby High School: Tristen Simpson — Gabe DiBruno Memorial Scholarship In addition to school-level honors, overall winners were recognized:

1st Place: Carter Hamrick (Burns High School)

2nd Place: Braydin Payne (Burns High School)

3rd Place: Tristen Simpson (Shelby High School)

All participants received welding hoods, caps, and tumblers, while top finishers earned professional-grade equipment and gear. Burns High School was named Top School, earning a commemorative welding plaque crafted by CCC Welding Instructor Michael Beaty, to be displayed at the school for the coming year.

The competition was made possible through the support of sponsors including Arc3, IMA Contractors, Andy Oxy, Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership, Cleveland Community College Foundation, the families of Michael David Scott Parsons, Gabe DiBruno, and Margaret Goodman, and the Cleveland Association of Government Officials.

Industry professionals Curtis Rippy, Certified Welding Inspector, and Doug Toney, Certified Welding Inspector and ARC3 representative, served as judges, bringing real-world expertise to the evaluation process.

CCC welding instructors Michael Beaty and Jonathon Johnson worked alongside high school instructors Erik Price and Kevin Owenby (Kings Mountain High School), Rick Greene (Shelby High School), Brackston Bivins (Burns High School), and Wes Stevens (Crest High School) to support students throughout the event.

Special guests included Jessica Talbert, representing the Gabe DiBruno Scholarship Fund, and Dave and Lea Parsons, who established the Michael David Scott Parsons Endowed Scholarship in memory of their son. The Cleveland Association of Government Officials was represented by Ronnie Whetstine, who presided over the organization when the scholarship was established through the CCC Foundation.

“These scholarships ensure that students not only pursue their passion but also carry forward the legacy of those who inspired them,” said Dr. Mack.

Now in its fifth year, CCC’s High School Welding Competition continues to play a vital role in preparing students for high-demand careers in skilled trades. By combining education, industry collaboration, and community investment, the event reinforces Cleveland Community College’s commitment to workforce development.

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