A few miles up the road from Meridian High School in Tamms, sparks are flying—literally. Through a partnership with Shawnee Community College, a group of juniors and seniors is learning the art of welding, gaining hands-on experience and valuable certifications that will serve them well, whether they choose to jump into the workforce or continue their education. For these students, welding is more than just a class; it’s a pathway to career opportunities, financial security, and a skill set they’ll carry for life.

Each student in the program has their own reason for diving into the world of welding, and while their motivations may differ, they all agree on one thing: this program is opening doors. The ability to earn college credit and gain practical skills while still in high school is a game-changer, giving them a head start that many only dream of.

Meet Nolan Kaufman, a junior who’s grown up around welding. "I've always seen my family welding, and I liked it from the start," Nolan says. His parents own a body shop, so from a young age, he was exposed to the craft. "I started welding in my freshman year, just picking it up naturally," he says. But for Nolan, the welding program at 

Shawnee has taken his skills to the next level. "I’m learning more than just how to lay a bead; I’m learning the science behind it—what makes a good weld and the safety measures that go along with it."

Nolan’s interest isn’t just a casual hobby—it’s part of his future. "My plan is to start welding full-time when I’m 18," he says. "I’ll travel, try different places, and see where welding takes me." It’s clear that for Nolan, welding isn’t just about picking up a trade—it’s about exploring the world and figuring out where he fits in it.

On the other side of the spectrum is Collin Casper, a senior who is using the welding program to explore his options. "I’m still figuring out what I want to do," Collin admits. "But welding is a skill I’m leaning toward. It’s something I can fall back on." For Collin, the program offers security. Even if welding isn’t his final career choice, he knows the skills he’s learning will always be valuable. "It’s a great way to build my resume, and it’s something I can use whether I stick with welding or try something else," he says.

Noah Green, also a junior, is similarly open to where welding might lead him. "I haven’t thought about it a whole lot yet," Noah says, "but I like the idea of staying in the area or maybe moving further south." Like Collin, Noah is exploring his future, and the welding program is giving him the tools—and the time—to figure things out. "It’s good money, and it’s something I’m getting better at every day," Noah says with a quiet confidence.

The students aren’t just working toward skills—they’re working toward certifications that can make them immediately employable. While the program at Shawnee provides college credit and training, students will still need to take additional tests for full certification. But the foundation they’re building now is more than enough to get them started in the field.

The importance of the program isn’t lost on the students, and they speak highly of their instructor, Kyle Sherbaum, who leads the welding courses at Shawnee. "Kyle could be making a lot more money out there in the field," Nolan says, "but he chooses to teach us instead. That means a lot." For students like Nolan, Collin, and Noah, having an experienced mentor in their corner makes all the difference. "He’s been there," Collin says, "and he sees the potential in us. He wants to give us the start he wishes he had when he was our age."

Sherbaum’s commitment to the students is evident in the time and effort he puts into the program. "He knows so much and could be living a high life somewhere else, but he chooses to stay here and teach us," says Noah. For the students, this is more than just a job for Sherbaum—it’s his way of paying it forward.

But while the welding program at Shawnee offers students practical skills and college credit, it’s also teaching them lessons that go beyond the welding shop. "Laying a good bead is about patience and precision," Nolan says. "It’s not something just anyone can do—it takes practice." The students have learned that welding is as much an art as it is a trade. "You have to be steady, slow, and make sure your angle is perfect," adds Collin. It’s a skill that requires focus, and for these students, that focus is paying off in more ways than one.

The program isn’t just about welding, either. It’s about preparing students for life after high school. Whether they choose to pursue welding as a career or use it as a stepping stone to other opportunities, they’re leaving high school with a valuable skill set and the confidence to take on whatever comes next. "It’s a great way to get ahead," says Noah. "Even if I don’t end up welding long-term, it’s something I’ll always have in my back pocket."

For the Meridian community, the welding program represents an investment in the future. The skills these students are learning will not only set them up for successful careers but will also benefit the community as a whole. Welders are essential in nearly every aspect of modern life—from the cars we drive to the buildings we live in. As Noah puts it, "Almost everything in our lives is possible because of welding."

And while some students, like Collin, are still figuring out what comes next, others, like Nolan, already have plans in motion. "I’m excited to see where welding takes me," Nolan says. "There are so many opportunities out there, and I’m ready to go after them."

For the taxpayers and community members of the Meridian School District, the welding program is a point of pride. It’s more than just a course—it’s a launchpad for students’ futures, giving them the skills and confidence to succeed in a competitive job market. Whether they choose to stay close to home or venture farther afield, these students are welding their way toward a brighter future.