Texas Border Business
LA JOYA, Texas – 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.
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 earned both first and second place overall in a standout performance against top competitors from across the Rio Grande Valley.
Leading the charge, La Joya High School secured the Overall Championship title for the second consecutive year, successfully defending its title and solidifying its position as a premier welding program in the Rio Grande Valley. The Coyotes delivered an impressive showing across multiple categories, highlighted by standout performances from:
- 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
Meanwhile, Juarez-Lincoln High School earned an impressive Second Place Overall, further demonstrating the depth and strength of La Joya ISD’s CTE programs. The Huskies delivered strong performances across both SMAW and GMAW categories, including:
- Miguel Partida, named team MVP, earning 2nd Place Overall and a 50% scholarship
- Santiago Martinez, 1st Place in GMAW
Beyond the competition, STVT raised the stakes this year by offering a significant incentive for two participants. Each top-performing team had an MVP selected based on overall performance, skill, and precision throughout the competition. Those students were then awarded a full-tuition or a half-tuition scholarship to continue their training in STVT’s welding program – an opportunity that recognizes excellence but also provides a direct pathway into advanced technical training and a high-demand career in the skilled trades.
Weld Wars is a high-energy, hands-on competition designed to challenge students through a series of timed welding projects, testing their technical skills, precision, and ability to perform 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 that 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 back-to-back championships and a strong district-wide showing, 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.
