Champion welding students receive certification through HOLT program

Thirty-five Champion High School juniors and seniors received welding certifications on Wednesday, following the completion of a class initiated by Boerne ISD in conjunction with HOLT Cat.

The class, taught by Dorman Vick, partnered with the city of Boerne to deliver innovative infrastructure projects that benefit both students and the broader community. The school’s welding program has made tremendous strides toward bridging the growing skills gap in the welding and manufacturing industries.

Champion High School welding instructor Dorman Vick speaks Wednesday as 35 of his students received their welding certification, thanks to a program handled in collaboration with HOLT Cat.

Star photo by Veronica Rector Earlier this year, Gov. Greg Abbott declared expansion of career training as an emergency item for the 89th Legislature.

The Champion program, now in its 20th year under Vick’s guidance, has become a nationally recognized leader in vocational education.

From competitive victories across Texas to being the only high school welding program in U.S. history to complete commissioned builds for the federal government, the accolades are numerous.

On three separate occasions, Vick’s students have designed and built specialized equipment for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fever Tick Eradication Program in South Texas.

Over the years, Vick’s students have completed numerous public works projects in Boerne, including the iconic Boerne Cemetery entrance and metal fish habitats for the River Road Restoration Project on the Cibolo Creek — an effort believed to be the first of its kind in Texas waterways.

The class also looks out for one another when in need.

“I lost my mother this year,” said Evelyn Hudson, a graduate of the class. “My classmates got together to make a cross from my mom’s headstone. We honestly care about each other and know how to work as a team.”

The Champion welding program stands as a model not only for Boerne, but for the state and the nation, school officials said.

It’s more than technical training, it’s a testament to what happens when students are given the tools, trust and opportunity to build something real, according to Vick.

Vocational education is the road to prosperity. Boerne ISD is showing what it looks like to walk that road — and takes pride in leading the way.

“I would like to say a big thank you to HOLT Cat,” Vick said, “for contributing to make vocational training bigger and better than ever before. They believe in investing in students.

“HOLT Cat is going to be leading the way in vocational training,” he said. “God bless Texas and vocational training.”