Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES students earned top honors during a recent welding competition hosted by Blackstone Advanced Technologies in Jamestown. The contest, which included students for the first time, featured 37 participants from across the region.
James DeLellis, a junior from Sherman enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at the Hewes Educational Center, earned first place. As the top finisher, DeLellis received a $200 prize, and Blackstone also presented a $250 check to the school.
Second place went to Tyrick Nadi of Southwestern Central School, a student in the Welding Technology pathway at WNY P-TECH in Dunkirk.
Grady Obert, a junior from Chautauqua Lake Central School who is also enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Hewes, placed third.
Blackstone representatives praised the skill and professionalism displayed throughout the competition.
“Thank you to all who participated in the welding contest,” the company shared in a statement. “For our first year that included students, the event was a great success.”
The company added that Blackstone welders were impressed by the competitors and said they would welcome any of them to join the Blackstone team in the future.
At Hewes, DeLellis received his award alongside Automotive Technology instructors Joseph Pitts and Stephen Reed. DeLellis’ parents, Michelle and Joe DeLellis, were also present.
At WNY P-TECH, Nadi received his award alongside Welding instructor Jeremy Bryant.
Blackstone representatives Jacquie Stewart, human resources director; Jeff Drake, director of operations; Jack Bielata, quality engineer and AWS inspector; Paul Silzle, senior engineer; and Tim Wissman, director of engineering, helped present the awards to both E2CCB students.
