Last Tuesday, MHS had the opportunity to share our newly renovated Wildcat Welding program with the community!
Led by Mr. Tony Aguinaga, Wildcat Welding received a grant from Gila Institute for Technology to add 12 new welding stations, bringing the total to 24 and adding more than $155,000 in equipment. This gives our students more hands-on experience, opportunities to earn welding certifications, and skills that prepare them for the workforce.
What makes this even more special is that our students helped build it. Tony shared that much of the work on the new stations was completed alongside his students.
Tony recognized two educators who helped shape his own path: Mr. Brian Coppola, his former shop teacher, and Mr. Tom Powers, former MHS Assistant Principal. Their investment in him is a reminder of the ripple effect educators can have. Years later, Tony is doing the same for the students in his classroom—not only teaching them how to weld, but sharing life lessons that will help them well beyond MHS.
This renovation took a team. Tony thanked MHS administration, MUSD Maintenance, his CTE mentor, Mrs. Sherry Carbajal, MHS CTE Director and GIFT Governing Board member, and his family for the roles they played in making it happen.
We are grateful for our partnerships with EAC, GIFT, FMI, and our community. So many people continue to step up for our kids.
This is just a reminder that every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference.
