(L-R) Cody Thurman (11^th), Ryan Fields (10^th), Stacy Rodriquez (11^th), and Even Merritt (11^th) placed in the top 8 in regionals and 2^nd in State.

Douglas, GA - Wiregrass is proud of Dual Enrollment Welding students from Wiregrass Regional College and Career Academy. Cody Thurman (11^th grade), Ryan Fields (10^th grade), Stacy Rodriquez (11^th grade), and Evan Merritt (11^th grade) competed in the State SkillsUSA competition back in March. The high school students were able to compete before it was announced the competition was cancelled due to COVID-19. It was released that the team placed in the top 8 in regionals and 2^nd in State. The students practiced on their own two times a week for six months! Evan and Stacy have started building and welding in their spare time as a side job. Stacy, Cody, and Evan have all completed one pathway for Welding (Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding). Ryan just finished his first year in Welding. The college looks forward to next year’s SkillsUSA and Welding competitions with these students. Wiregrass Tech’s Rick Perkins (Instructor of the Year), Mike Day is their Welding Instructor.

Students enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes while in high school earn college credit for free. Wiregrass Tech has saved parents thousands of dollars in college fees through this program. To learn how your high school student can earn college credit while in high school contact your high school counselor or Wiregrass’ High School Services at highschoolservices@wiregrass.edu. To learn more about essential career programs like Welding offered at Wiregrass, visit www.wiregrass.edu. New students including Dual Enrollment are now being accepted for Summer Express term that is 8 weeks long. Classes start June 1.