LW Teacher Wins National Contest To Receive Welding Equipment

NEW LENOX, IL — Lincoln-Way welding instructor Daymon Gast was announced as the winner of the 2019 Miller "Who's Building You" contest and earned a prize package worth more than $30,000 that will benefit students. The district said Gast was nominated by 2018 Lincoln-Way graduate Codey Underwood, now a first year apprentice in the 597 Pipefitter program.

“He 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,” Underwood wrote in his nomination. Underwood’s nomination was selected as one of the top three out of 459 submissions, and ultimately chosen as the winner by public voting.

“I am most grateful for the support and recognition from my community and school for this
valuable vocational program. Without their support we would not have won this award,”
Gast said in a release. “At Lincoln-Way High School we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive education program that maximizes the individual student experience.”

According to the district, Lincoln-Way will receive a Miller prize package that includes: one Miller® WeldX jacket, six pairs of Miller® MIG lined gloves, one Miller® T94i™ welding helmet, one Miller® ArcStation S-Series 30 welding station, one Miller® AugmentedArc welding system, one Miller® Dynasty 280 DX welder, and one Miller® Multimatic® 215.

“I am excited to be able to allow my students to utilize the Augmented Reality Welding System
for its capability for instant feedback on work. The fact that the system can generate a custom
report for the individual is going to be very helpful,” Gast said in a release. “The two multi-process welding machines will be a welcome addition to all our Welding Occupations Classes. It is a benefit to allow students to practice on a wide variety of machines and processes so that when
they enter the workforce they are experienced and work ready.”

The district said Lincoln-Way currently offers three full years of welding classes at all three schools serving approximately 180 students. Gast is also a Certified Welding Inspector, a Certified Welding Educator and a Certified Welder through the American Welding Society.

“As a result, his former welding students, like myself, are now in the trades and have had no
difficulty with passing the welding portions of their apprenticeship training. Current welding
students are highly sought after for employment because of this reputation. Students like myself
are encouraged by Mr. Gast’s class and are lucky to have this elective choice at our High
School,” said Underwood.

For his part in the contest, Underwood also received a new welder, helmet, jacket, and welding
gloves for his home shop.