TCAT Newbern welding program 'a cut above' again in national contest

TCAT-Newbern welding student Adele Tantalo (pictured front right) was chosen as one of three winners in a contest sponsored by Victor Technologies, winning a $250 cash award and TCAT-Newbern's welding program over $4,000 in welding/cutting equipment donated by Victor Technologies Int.

Members of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Newbern's welding program participated in a contest sponsored by the Victor Technologies company.

The contest was for first/second-year welding students, and required them to write an essay describing how cutting and welding have shaped their character, while also empowering them as a technical professional.

The Victor Company's goal was to see how students feel that their technical skills will help them be innovators in the future of the welding profession. Though thousands of entries were received, there were only three winners nationwide.

Adele Tantalo, a member of the TCAT- Newbern Welding program was one of the three winners. Her winning entry garnered her a $250 cash award. TCAT-Newbern's welding program was given well over $4,000 in welding/cutting equipment donated by Victor Technologies International.

The welding program instructor, James Daniels, said he was very proud of Adele and her performance. Tantalo expressed her feelings by saying, "Welding has given me a sense of purpose and direction in my life. I have found peace and contentment in my welding booth. To me each bead I run further cements the bonds of my sobriety and my future career in the welding field."

Daniels stated that Adele is an outstanding student and has grown into a very competent welder with a very successful future in the welding profession ahead of her.

"At TCAT Newbern we look for ways for our students to be good stewards of their chosen industry profession. Being involved with technically based skills competitions, trade-group organization memberships, and industry-specific publications are ways of accomplishing that," said Daniels, who went on to say, "TCAT graduates are more than just skilled technical prospective employees; they are career professionals ready to bring superior performance to any organization."

This is the second time a member of the TCAT Newbern's welding program has won the award.