MEDIA ADVISORY

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO TEST THEIR SKILLS DURING ANNUAL WELDING CONTEST

WHAT:

Vocational students from Coastal Bend high schools will test their welding skills in the 14th annual high school welding contest. The event is sponsored by Valero Refining, Citgo Refining, Flint Hills Resources, DuPont, Repcon, and other area industrial leaders. Volunteers from each organization run and judge the event and mentor the students in the welding craft throughout the school year.

The participants will be competing in two specialized welding divisions – a “Pipe Division” and a “Plate Division”. First place winners will receive a welding machine and free tuition and books for their first semester at the Craft Training Center. Second and third place winners will receive other welding equipment such as cutting outfits and grinders. All contestants will receive prizes, which have been donated by local companies.

WHEN: Friday, May 9, 2008 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

WHERE: Craft Training Center Welding 7433 Leopard St.

WHO: Approximately 100 welding contestants from area high school metal trades and FFA agricultural mechanics students have been invited to participate.

High school welding and agricultural instructors

Representatives from sponsoring companies including Valero Refining, Bay Inc., Craft Training Center, Citgo Refining, Flint Hills Resources, DuPont, Equistar, Sherwin Alumina, and other area industrial leaders.

Human Resource Departments from local industrial companies will be on hand to take job applications from participants that will be graduating this year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Rachel Ballou: 361-695-1064