Whether they realize it or not, the high school juniors and seniors in the welding program at Tri-Star Career Compact in St. Marys, Ohio, have a unique opportunity to learn some artistic tricks while practicing their chosen trade. About ten years ago, Instructor Todd Smith, an AWS Certified Welding Inspector, was looking for something interesting to incorporate into the regular curriculum. Someone along the way expressed a need for a sculpture of a school mascot at their home school and a new project was borne.

Beginning with three-inch metal, equilateral triangles to as small as ½-inch metal triangles and following a blueprint, students begin to gas metal arc weld the mild steel shapes together. Over the years, they have created sculptures of a Bull Dog for Celina High School, an 8 ½ feet tall Cavalier for Coldwater (Ohio) High School, an Airplane with a 9 ½ ft. wing span for the Marion Local Flyers of Maria Stein, and a life-size horse and rider for the St. Marys Rough Riders. They've also constructed an eagle with a 6-ft. wing span and a life-size American Indian. And each sculpture begins with a tiny triangle!

In addition to the class project, each year students make Christmas angels by plasma cutting the shapes and gas tungsten arc welding the edges to create color. They then apply a Polyurethane clear coat to protect the metal before presenting their artistic creations to friends and relatives.

Using similar techniques, Mr. Smith made a deer for a friend that stands outdoors. Through the years, weathering has created rust, making the deer very life-like in the country setting. Even down to the stainless steel eyes that shine at night if a light is flashed their way.

"We are very fortunate to have scrap steel donated to us through the generosity of Crown Equipment Corporation," says Todd Smith. "And Lefeld Welding keeps our equipment in great condition."

Mr. Smith started the welding program at Tri Star sixteen years ago.

"I come from a family of teachers," he comments. "After I graduated from high school, I worked at a stone quarry for a year and a half, trying to decide what to do with my life. My parents told me to learn a skill trade if I wasn't going to go to a 4-year college and become a teacher."

Following an uncle's recommendation, Todd headed for Hobart because he certainly wasn't going to be a teacher! He took the full program in 1972 at a time when many of the welding students were talking about going to Alaska and welding on the cross-country pipelines. Todd chose to remain in the area and he worked for a number of years manufacturing farm machinery at New Idea in Coldwater. His next employer was Strick Corporation in Indiana where they constructed semi trailers. These years of welding experience served him well.

However, when there was a chance to begin a welding program at Tri Star, Todd was there to seize the opportunity to become a teacher! He has built a strong program and this past year had 12 seniors and 18 juniors in the welding class. There are 18 juniors entering the program this coming school year. It isn't unusual to have a waiting list which is very positive during a time when some other schools are closing the doors on similar programs. The students at Tri-Star obviously enjoy the challenges presented by the Tri Star triangles!