Carson Grimes was the first place winner in Tarkio Tech’s welding contest.

Tarkio Tech recently held its second annual welding contest. Mason Booker, left, and David Retallic, middle, tied for third place and Hanna Ogle, right, placed second. (Tarkio Tech photos)

The Tarkio Technology Institute’s welding class recently held its second annual welding contest. Welding instructors Scott Adams and Ashley Adams created the contest last year for competition and to stimulate the learning environment. The test is called the “bend test” and is one part of the American Welding Society certification process that students will complete at the end of the spring 2026 semester.

During the fall semester, students weld two pieces of steel together, multiple times, using proper techniques learned in class. Scott and Ashley critique their work throughout the week and provide guidance on how to correct/improve their work.

The contest began on a Monday with each individual having two pieces of steel. Work continued throughout the week and at the end of the week they turned in their project for judging. The scoring range was from 200 (best) to 100, if the two pieces don’t break. The judging was extremely tight again this year with the top four scoring 200, 196, and 193 (tie). The others had excellent scores with a range of 190 to 180. Carson Grimes finished first, Hanna Ogle placed second, and David Retallic and Mason Booker tied for third.