Graduates who earned their welding certificates were Nathan Mains (pipe welding), Cam Kephart (pipe welding), Austin Nickels (welding), Kolten Marler (welding), Hunter Gawart (welding), and Tim Benson (welding). Not pictured is Kaylee “KJ” McCartney (welding), as she was back home finishing her senior year of high school. (Mark Staten photo)
Another round of welding students have found success in their studies at Tarkio Technology Institute. Seven students took part in a graduation ceremony held in the Tarkio Rotary Theatre in The Curnutt Center on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Parents, friends, and relatives celebrated with the students and faculty. Tarkio Tech President Johnnie Davis welcomed everyone in attendance and David Hoffman, Tarkio Tech’s Publications and Promotions, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Admission Counselor Mark Staten gave the invocation. TCAA Director Jack Hunsucker gave the Tarkio College Alumni Association welcome. Mr. Davis gave remarks and presented the candidates with the help of Dean Sparks, president of the board, who presented certificates. Welding graduates included:
Welding Technology – Timothy Shawn Benson, II (AWS GMAW national certification, AWS SMAW national certification, AWS SMAW 15.1 RR cert-ifi-cation); Hunter Lee Gawart (AWS GMAW national certification and AWS SMAW national certification); Kolten Lee Marler (AWS SMAW national certification); Kaylee Jean McCartney (AWS GMAW national certification, AWS SMAW national certification, AWS SMAW 15.1 RR cert-ifi-cation); and Austin Michael Glen Nickels (AWS GMAW national certification and AWS SMAW national certification)
Pipe Welding Technology – Cameron Michael Kephart (AWS SMAW national certification); and Nathan Leonard Mains (AWS D1.1 SMAW 2f pipe to plate certification, AWS D1.7 stainless steel certification, AWS D1.2 aluminum TIG certification, and AWS SMAW 15.1 RR cert-ifi-cation)
Following the presentation, Lane Seymour, HALAS Business Program instructor, gave the benediction. Everyone enjoyed a meal following the event.
