Welding Competition
Pictured here is Rayce Fischer’s winning welding design of a lion’s head, inspired by the Lockwood School mascot. The piece will now sit above the doors to the gym at Lockwood High School for many years to come. (Courtesy photo)
by Michael J. Marino
Rayce Fischer, a senior at Lockwood High School, took first place in a recent welding competition with a design of a lion’s head, which will now hang atop the doors to the school’s gym.
Fischer said he spent at least 100 hours working on the project.
“I only had about 45 minutes to an hour and a half each day to work on it,” he explained, “so it took me a year and a half, bare minimum.”
When he learned that his design was selected as the winner, Fischer said he felt “excited, thrilled, [and] relieved.”
Fischer has been welding since he was around seven years old. Although he lost interest for a time, he said finishing one of the sculptures he’d been working on for his grandmother re-inspired him to keep learning the craft.
Currently undecided regarding his plans for after high school, Fischer said sports are where his true passion lies.
“Welding is probably something I’d fall back on or do on the side,” said Fischer, “…but my plan is to go to college and play baseball.”