Front:  Rachel Blackburn, Anyssa Balbas, Charmayne Hampton, Jasmine Betancud

Back: Quentin Parker, Shyla Blackburn, and Kristen Garner

KELTON FFA COMPETES AT THE WEST TEXAS WELD OFF AND PLACES 1ST IN OFC

Seven members of the Kelton FFA Chapter competed in the 7th Annual West Texas Weld Off held at Hereford High School.  The seven Kelton students worked very hard to improve and polish their skills in welding using 7018 welding rods and cutting with an acetylene/oxygen cutting torch.

Kelton FFA entered the SMAW contest where they had to make six inch weld using 3/8 inch metal.  Second year competitors had to use a 6010 welding rod and make root pass and cap the weld with 7018 welding rod.  The second competition Kelton FFA entered was OFC cutting.  Students had to light a cutting torch, make a six-inch cut in ¼ inch metal, and then safely turn off the torch.

Kelton FFA members who were competing were Kristen Garner, Charmayne Hampton, Shyla Smith, Quentin Parker, Rachel Blackburn, Jasmine Betancud, and Anyssa Balbas.

Anyssa Balbas placed First in the OFC straight-line cutting and received prizes and a trophy for her placing.