Earlier this school year, Machining and Welding teacher Cash Morgan submitted Brenden Bitter, senior, into a nationwide welding contest hosted by the U.S. Department of War. Bitter was accepted and made the top 24, recently competing on live TV in San Diego for a chance to win $10,000.

While he didn't walk away with a cash prize, he did come home with a tool bag full of welding gear and supplies to start his career in welding. On the resume, Bitter was one of a handful selected to participate out of 410 students across the United States.

Throughout the school year, student competitors engaged in a series of project-based challenges that required them to demonstrate proficiency in various welding processes. These projects evaluated their capabilities in key areas such as fit-up, joint preparation, and the quality of the final weld. 

Progressing past that point, Bitter was considered a top-performing participant for the year and competed head-to-head at the Project MFG National Welding Championship in San Diego, California. For nine hours, Bitter and the other finalists had to build a model of a drawbridge.

According to Morgan, "Brendan did an incredible job, and I’m super proud of him and all his hard work to prepare for this competition! " He added, "It was an awesome experience, and I want to thank everyone who made it happen!" Of the 24 National Finalists, there were four from Utah; one from Davis Technical College, one from Syracuse High School, and one from Maple Mountain High School. Morgan says, "It was really cool to have such a big showing at the national level representing Utah."

Congratulations Brendan!