LW Central Welding Teacher Is Finalist In National Competition

NEW LENOX, IL — Lincoln-Way Central welding teacher Daymon Gast has been nominated in a national competition and could receive $30,000 worth of welding equipment for students if he wins.

Gast was nominated by former welding student Codey Underwood in the national "Who's Building You" contest for being a standout welding instructor, the district said.

According to the competition website, the nomination reads, "Mr. Gast has a strong passion for helping his students succeed in welding, their chosen career, and in their lives. As a 2018 Lincoln-Way Central High school graduate, I am now a successful first year apprentice in the 597 Pipefitter program because of him. He was my welding instructor for three years and I can say without a doubt that he made welding my favorite and most meaningful class while at Lincoln-Way. Mr. Gast saw something in me that others did not, and he taught me how to persevere and to be successful at work, for this I am thankful."

The competition, hosted by Miller Welding equipment, has been narrowed down to three finalists, who now need votes to win. Voting ends on April 15 and is limited to one vote per device.