Denton ISD Our Impact In Your Community Magazine Summer 2016 | Page 42

ATC’S “Bench Warmer” Hit

a

Home Run...Again

Welding students win top honor for second time at national contest

T

he LaGrone Advanced Technology
Complex’s “Team Bench Warmers” won
the 2015 ESAB “A Cut Above Welding &
Cutting” Contest with their entry of park
benches that feature custom artwork
highlighting each of school’s programs. This
is the second consecutive year the program
has produced the lone national winner,
coming out on top over more than 500
entries representing high schools, colleges
and trade schools from across the country.

“What makes this project amazing is the
combination a of a production skill that is
in high demand and the craftsmanship,”
Members of the “Bench Warmers” include Bobby Wallace (Ryan
said Marcus Bourland, principal of the
High), Eve Torres (Ryan High), Daniel Teniente (Ryan High), Andy
LaGrone Advanced technology Complex.
Ochoa (Denton High) and Not Pictured Braden King (Pilot Point
“Rebecca Hendricks, teacher and team
High) and Mrs. Rebecca Hendricks. Students from surrounding
school districts partner with Denton ISD so their students can attend
sponsor, challenged them to design and
award-winning programs at the LaGrone ATC.
execute a project which will last a lifetime
on our campus.”
Photo by Will Milne

Sparked by a $1,000 grant from an outdoor
ESAB is a manufacturer of welding and cutting
learning area, the team purchased the materials
equipment, and they support education through
with the funds awarded to Mrs. Hendricks from
this contest for students each year. The contest
the Denton Public Schools Foundation.
draws hundreds of entries in both individual and

team categories.
The set of six benches each have original

student artwork carved into the backrests. They
As word of the team’s success spread in our
depict a chef placing the finishing touches on a
community, individuals began inquiring how to
cupcake for the Culinary Arts; hands combing
purchase their own benches. The team created
freshly washed hair symbolizing Cosmetology; a
two benches that were auctioned at the DPSF’s
physician listening to a young child’s heart for
Annual Groundhog Gala.
the Health Sciences; a row of uniformed officers

featuring Law Enforcement; two mechanics
Local business leaders at DATCU commissioned
working representing Automotive and Aircraft
benches for their courtyard at their institution’s
Technology; and a welder working to repair a
headquarters.
machine as the sparks fly.

“The opportunity to work with local young people
Team Bench Warmers includes Bobby Wallace
to create something unique for us has been
(Ryan High), Eve Torres (Ryan High), Daniel
amazing,” said Mike Vance, community relations
Teniente (Ryan High), Andy Ochoa (Denton
for DATCU. “This project fits right into our values as a
High) and Braden King (Pilot Point High). 
member driven organization, supporting talented

people and our schools - where we work and live.”
Each team member received an individual
$500 cash prize, and the school received

cutting and welding equipment for the
Last year’s nationally recognized
program. The package included: One ESAB
®
team was featured in an instructional
Migmaster  215 Pro Ready-to-Weld Package;
One Victor® Medalist 250 Medium Duty Cutting
video about the contest produced
System; One Thermal Dynamics® Cutmaster™
by ESAB that can be viewed
42 Air Plasma Cutting Outfit; Two ESAB Aristo® Tech
here https://www.youtube.com/
HD high definition welding helmets.

watch?v=8gbr4G0tFbA

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