La Joya, TX - La Joya ISD welding students recently sparked success and welded their way to the top, earning top honors on a regional stage and showcasing the district’s strength in Career and Technical Education (CTE).
During the second annual Weld Wars hosted by South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT), students from La Joya High School and Juarez-Lincoln High School delivered standout performances against top competitors from across the Rio Grande Valley.
Juarez-Lincoln High School earned the Overall Championship title, rising to the top through a strong cumulative performance under an updated scoring system that awarded points across multiple categories. The Huskies’ consistency and depth secured them the highest overall score of the competition. Notable achievements included:
Miguel Partida, named team MVP, earning 2nd Place Overall and a 50% scholarship
Santiago Martinez, 1st Place in GMAW
La Joya High School delivered an exceptional performance, placing first in all individual categories, highlighting the team’s technical excellence and skill across the board. The Coyotes’ top performers included:
Emmanuel Galaviz, named VIP Overall, earning 1st Place in GTAW and a full-tuition scholarship
Jose Ramos, 1st Place in SMAW
Julio Ramirez, 1st Place in Cutting Torch
Fernando Gonzalez, 2nd Place in GTAW
Beyond the competition, STVT raised the stakes this year by offering a significant incentive for top participants. Each team selected an MVP based on overall performance, skill, and precision, with those students receiving either a full-tuition or half-tuition scholarship to continue their training in STVT’s welding program - providing a direct pathway into advanced technical education and high-demand careers in the skilled trades.
Weld Wars is a high-energy, hands-on competition designed to challenge students through timed welding projects, testing their technical ability, precision, and performance under pressure. The event also connects students with industry opportunities and postsecondary pathways.
“This achievement reflects the dedication, talent, and hard work of our students and instructors,” said Pablo DeLeon, La Joya ISD CTE Director. “Our CTE programs are designed to equip students with real-world, in-demand skills, and competitions like this provide an opportunity for students to truly shine. We are incredibly proud of how our students represented La Joya ISD.”
The success at Weld Wars aligns with La Joya ISD’s strategic plan, Achieving Excellence Together: 2030, particularly Priority 2: Empowered Graduates, by providing students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare them for college, career, and workforce success.
With an overall championship for Juarez-Lincoln High School and a dominant category sweep by La Joya High School, La Joya ISD continues to set the standard for excellence in CTE across the Rio Grande Valley.
La Joya ISD extends its congratulations to all participating students and wishes them continued success as they pursue their future careers.