The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology is pleased to announce the award of the 2004 Raymond C. Dunlavy Scholarship to Francis M. (Frank) Cook of Montague, Michigan.  Frank is a 2004 graduate of Montague High School and Newaygo County Career Career-Tech Center, Fremont, Michigan, and is the son of Frank and Mary Lou Cook.  He is enrolled in the Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program at the Hobart Institute.

“I have been interested in welding and manufacturing all my life it seems.  My father bought a welding machine when I was 9 years old.  I can still remember watching him and bugging him to let me weld too!  As soon as he got a helmet to fit me, I began welding.” 

Beginning with wagons, bikes and go-karts, Frank was soon helping friends build derby cars.  It was natural for him to enroll in welding his junior year of high school at Newaygo County Career-Tech Center. 

“Like a sponge, I absorbed everything I could in the welding field.  I was excited about every project.”

Frank’s hard work reaped benefits as he was named Outstanding Student of the Year 2004 in the Welding Department, where he now serves on the Advisory Committee Board.  During high school, he was dually enrolled at Baker College and has attended classes in fall 2004 at Muskegon Community College. 

“Frank is always willing to work hard to complete duties and other tasks assigned,” says Aaron Brandon, Welding Instructor at Newaygo County Career-Tech Center.  “He will make an excellent worker to any company that is fortunate enough to employ his services.”

During high school in addition to his studies, Frank was employed as a production welder for Flex Automotive Corporation in Muskegon, customizing machines and restoring vehicles and tractors.

The Hobart Institute is pleased to be one step in the path along the way toward Frank’s goal of becoming knowledgeable in a variety of welding processes and becoming a skilled welder.  As he seeks to understand the technical side of complex welding procedures, it is not unreasonable to imagine that Frank will pursue a college degree in welding.