The welding program at Red Mountain High School was a huge success this year, culminating in 15 students who are now certified with the American Welding Society.
“Not everybody is going to go to college because of affordability, but they still need something to look forward to,” commented Dan Hurst, welding instructor at Red Mountain High. “Welding careers are flourishing, so these students can be productive and are able to make a good living,” he continued. “An estimated 250,000 welders will be needed by the year 2020.”
To celebrate the welding students’ accomplishments, including a first-place win at the Welding Without Borders: Welding Thunder Team Fabrication Competition, in Las Vegas, Nev., Dan and some enthusiastic parents and volunteers hosted an end-of-the-year award ceremony and celebration.
“We’ve been fortunate,” said Ron Kereluk, who attended the event with his wife, Angela, and son, Hayden, who transferred from Skyline High School to Red Mountain High for the welding program. “That’s what he wants to do for a living,” Ron continued. “He and Mr. Hurst get along really well.”
Hayden said Mr. Hurst is the best. The admired teacher “. . . makes learning the welding trade easy,” he commented. “He’s really helpful. He would give his shirt off his own back,” Hayden continued. “He’s one of the nicest people I have met in my life.”
Hayden’s goal is to earn a pipeline welding certification. “Because the world will never not need it,” he explained.
Las Sendas resident Carrie McCahan’s son, Jack, has been in the welding program for the past three years. “We were surprised to see how creative they are with their projects. The things they create are beautiful,” said Carrie. She thought the projects would be more industrial. Nevertheless, Carrie received a welded rose from her son as a thank you for her support, as did all the moms at the special event.
According to Jack, he enrolled in welding as a hobby. He has enjoyed learning new skills, such as how to use different machines, how to make various items and how to design things on a computer. “I found the class interesting and something I could learn from,” Jack commented.
“Mr. Hurst is awesome,” the student continued. “He’s really smart. He knows how to teach, and he is all around a great guy.”
Student Nicodemus Phaklides said he also enjoyed the welding class. “The fulfillment you get after finishing a big project is awesome,” he gushed.
Everybody had smiles on their faces as welding club president Bryce LeSueur introduced Mr. Hurst, who thanked everyone for coming and for sharing their amazing kids.
Then, Red Mountain High Principal Jared Ryan thanked the parents as he said he was grateful for the difference the welding students have made on campus. “They have demonstrated leadership at our school,” he said. “Through their work, their heart, they care about what they’re doing,” he continued.
“Mr. Hurst is a pretty special educator,” Mr. Ryan said. “He is a special human being who has received the highest rating as a teacher.”
As part of the welding club, Mr. Hurst requires the students to participate in community service at the school, including painting ramadas and making a new sign for The Commons at the library.
The students also created artwork for charity, raising more than $15,000 over the past four years.
Bryce introduced Sal Guerro, who received a community service award from the welding club for donating paint and helping to refinish the ramadas at the school.
Publisher Kim Phillips also received a community service award for her help in promoting the welding program in Up Close, a neighborhood publication distributed in Las Sendas, Red Mountain Ranch and surrounding Northeast Mesa communities.
Welding student Brock Witt received the Golden Rod Award for his exceptional contributions. “He is always here first thing in the morning, and he stays late,” Bryce announced.
The Silver Rod Award went to Nicademus Phakalitus. “He is an outstanding student who is only 14 years old,” Bryce told the audience.
Several other students and mentors were honored with medals and awards, including those who participated with the welding team at the Las Vegas Fabtech competition. Baylee Higginbottom received the first welded rose for always being there for Mr. Hurst.
In conclusion, the group honored their teacher and mentor with a shiny new watch. “Mr. Hurst always gives us his time and his patience,” said Bryce. “So, we thought we would give him some time back.”
Dan smiled. “It’s been an amazing ride,” he said. “Las Vegas was a challenge. Next year is going to be amazing. We are going to put together a girls’ team and a guys’ team,” he continued. “God bless you for letting me teach your kids.”
For more information about the welding program at Red Mountain High School, call (480) 472-8000, or visit the website at mpsaz.org/rmhs. The high school is located at 7301 E. Brown Road.