Area High School Students Win Welding Championship

ALBANY/SCHOHARIE/ROCHESTER - Three high school students from the Capital Region recently brought home gold from the New York State Thruway Cup welding competition. 

Sponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), the event was held May 3-4 at the Arc & Flame Welding Center in Rochester.

Students from across the greater Capital Region first competed in a preliminary round in April to determine who would represent the Northern New York Chapter of AWS District Six. Capital Region BOCES Welding and Metal Fabrication students Hunter David, Elijah MacNeil and Wyatt Strobeck placed first, second, and third respectively, earning top honors and advancing to the statewide competition.

David, a senior from South Colonie, attends the Welding program on the Albany Campus. MacNeil, a senior from Schalmont, and Strobeck, a junior from Middleburgh, are enrolled in the program at the Schoharie Campus.

In Rochester, the trio competed against 15 students from Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and the Twin Tiers region and emerged victorious, bringing the gold back to Albany.

“This competition was sponsored by our welding community across New York state and the American Welding Society. It gave students the opportunity to showcase their skills, work ethic and understanding of welding,” said Capital Region BOCES Welding teacher Don Mattoon. 

“What sets this competition apart is that students must compete all day using three different welding processes. Their work is evaluated according to AWS D1.1 and D1.2 industry codes. It really pushes them to the limits of their ability and gives them a clearer picture of what a career in welding looks like. It also gives young individuals an opportunity to network with industry professionals and peers across New York state,” he said.

MacNeil described the experience as “very rewarding,” adding, “I took some time off work to gain more knowledge in this field and learn more about AWS—and I accomplished both.”

According to competition rules, the winning chapter is required to host the event the following year, so in 2026, the Northern New York Chapter (Albany) will not only defend its title, but also welcome welding students from across the state to its home region.