Welding technology students at Valencia College are competing in the statewide America 250 Welding and Fabrication Challenge, sponsored by the Florida Department of Education to honor the nation's metalworking history. Their submission features a cutout map of the United States adorned with the stars and stripes of the American flag, with welded symbols of the country's diverse regions.
The finished piece, titled The Stars, Striped, and Steel: An America Mosaic, includes a space shuttle over Florida, the Empire State Building over New York, a motorcycle in California, a barbecue grill in Texas and an American eagle in the Pacific Northwest, along with an intentionally weathered flag. Student James Wainwright said he thought it came out great and that the team tried to capture what they think America is, from coast to coast and north to south. Brendon Monize, assistant director of Advanced Manufacturing at the college, said the opportunity shows what the students do and described welding as the fabric and foundation of what Americans do.
Welding instructors Juan Ayala and Eddie Pollock and carpentry instructor Mike Hill guided the students through the project. After the competition, the piece will have a permanent home on Valencia's campus. Welding programs across the state were invited to submit one entry, such as metal artwork, a plaque or a sculpture, inspired by the anniversary theme. Florida's Commissioner of Education, Anastasios Kamoutsas, will select the winning entries.
Press release issued by Valencia College:
https://news.valenciacollege.edu/valencia-college-welding-students-compete-in-america-250-challenge/
🤖 AI-assisted content notice: This item was written with AI assistance from the source document linked above. The underlying facts come from that public source, not from our own reporting. No quotes, interviews or original reporting are implied. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.
