Southeastern Illinois College welding student Jaxen Simmons, a dual credit student from Norris City Omaha Enfield High School, took first place in the student division at the 2025 Welding Competition sponsored by NIX Industries and hosted by the Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center in Evansville, Indiana, on Saturday.
Simmons competed in the 14-18 age group, going up against students from across the region. Fellow SIC welding student Clinton Rhodes of McLeansboro represented the college in the 19-22 apprentice group. While Rhodes did not place in the top rankings, he won a Lincoln welding hood during a prize drawing.
A total of 44 contestants competed across three age groups during the event.
“We had a great day at the competition,” said SIC welding instructor Mark Thomas. “I’m proud of both Jaxen and Clinton for representing SIC well. It was a great experience, and we’re thankful to NIX for sponsoring the event and to SICTC for hosting it.”
SIC offers an American Welding Society (AWS) certified welding program with hands-on training designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. For more information about the program, visit sic.edu/welding or call 618-252-5400, ext. 4130 to speak with an advisor. Registration for all SIC summer and fall classes begins March 24.
