Mr. Richburg and his Ag. Mechanic students, Zayden Medina and Joshua Prado recently showcased their exceptional skills at the “Texas Welding Series: Rising Star of Texas” welding contest held at Texas State University.
Competing against a formidable group of 456 students in three challenging contests—Tool ID and Quiz, Underwater Welding, and VR Welding—Joshua Prado and Zayden Medina delivered outstanding performances. Joshua Prado secured a commendable 3rd place in the VR Welding contest, gaining valuable experience for future competitions.
Zayden Medina truly shone, clinching 1st place in both the VR Welding and Underwater Welding contests. His remarkable achievements earned him an invitation to the Texas Welding Series state competition in June. Medina’s victories also brought home two large metal Rising Star of Texas trophies, three new welding hoods, a TIG torch, two extensive tool bags filled with gloves, welding jackets, caps, grinding wheels, three caps, and an Ocean Corp diving coin.
Additionally, Zayden’s first-place finishes awarded him significant scholarships, including a $2,000 scholarship from Ocean Corp. Welding School, a $500 scholarship from Lincoln Welding, and a $500 scholarship from Tulsa Welding School.
Mr. Richburg expressed immense pride in his students’ achievements, highlighting that this is only the second of many more contests to come. Congratulations to Joshua Prado, Zayden Medina, and the Yorktown FFA on their impressive success!