The Perry VanKirk Career Welding Academy students performed well at the state competition. 

Four students participated in the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 33 High School State Welding Contest on May 19th in Des Moines. Kain Killmer of Perry placed first in the torch cutting category. Instructor Brent Rowe says Killmer is one of his stand out students.

“You know, everybody’s a little bit different. Kane is a very well rounded individual. He’s one of those farm kids, so to speak. But yeah, he’s a very unique individual.”

Rowe says that the competition featured 138 other welders from 40 different high schools across the state.