Silsbee High School Welders Earn Dozens of Certifications at Regional Competition
![Silsbee High School Welders Earn Dozens of Certifications at Regional Competition]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765229173/silsbeeisdorg/mens6ce4rqjldza6bshb/WeldingCompetition-DEC2025.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765229173/silsbeeisdorg/mens6ce4rqjldza6bshb/WeldingCompetition-DEC2025.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765229173/silsbeeisdorg/mens6ce4rqjldza6bshb/WeldingCompetition-DEC2025.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765229173/silsbeeisdorg/mens6ce4rqjldza6bshb/WeldingCompetition-DEC2025.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765229173/silsbeeisdorg/mens6ce4rqjldza6bshb/WeldingCompetition-DEC2025.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1765229173/silsbeeisdorg/mens6ce4rqjldza6bshb/WeldingCompetition-DEC2025.jpg","width":2200}])
Silsbee High School Welders Earn Dozens of Certifications at Regional Competition
December 5, 2025 — Silsbee High School’s welding program made an impressive statement as students not only placed across multiple categories in a regional welding competition but also earned dozens of Industry-Based Certifications.
On Friday, December 5, Silsbee High School hosted 197 student welders from 15 schools, all competing across four welding levels, a cutting competition, and an underwater welding division. The Tigers rose to the challenge, showcasing skill, discipline, and craftsmanship that reflect the strength of SHS’s growing Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.
Welding Instructor John McKeehan praised his students' grit and resilience, noting that their success comes from hours of practice and a commitment to mastering their craft.
"These kids work hard, really hard," said McKeehan. "Welding isn't easy and these certifications are not just handed out. My students earn everything they get with sweat, pride and determination. I couldn't be more proud of their work and the way they represented this program and school district."
Silsbee High School Results
Level 1 – American Welding Society D9.1 Certification
- 2nd: Zayne Jones
- 3rd: Kaston Alphin
- 4th: Thomas Walters
- 5th: Brendon Hughes
Certified:
- Racheal Loredo
- Kennedy Nguyen
- Kayde Rice
- Karson White
- Jose Aguillon
- Bailen Burnham
- Caleb McGallion
- Jacob Welch
- Fatland Bela
- Isaac Stewart
- Kira Biggs
Level 2 – American Welding Society D1.1 Certification
- 4th: Levi Swensk
- 7th: Blake Foster
- 8th: Trenton Bryant
Certified:
- Addyson Almond
- Aiden Saenz
- Kamryn Wilkerson
- Brayden Boyd
- Colt Seamon
- Leah Iles
- Wyatt Burnett
- Brandon Cravey
- Mary Battles
- Danni Orsak
- Levi Mobley
Level 3 – ASME Section IX Certification
- 4th: Zackery Roberts
- 5th: Jackson Carr
Level 4 – ASME Section IX Certification
- 1st: Jason Jones
- 2nd: Marco Moctezuma
- 3rd: Kason Bean
Cutting Competition
- 1st: Trenton Bryant
- 2nd: James Fowler
- 5th: Jason Jones
Underwater Welding
- 3rd: Kayde Rice
With dozens of certifications awarded and multiple top finishes, Silsbee High School’s welding program continues to stand out as one of the strongest in the region.
McKeehan added, “If this competition showed anything, it’s that Silsbee welders are a force to be reckoned with. These students are building real skills that will carry them into careers, and they’re doing it with Tiger pride.”
Other school districts in the competition include: Alvin, Buna, Burkeville, Columbus, Cypress Ridge, Hardin-Jefferson, Hull-Daisetta, Kountze, Leonard Brautigam Center, Nacogdoches, Newton, Spurger, Stuart Career Tech, and Vidor.