Page 6 - HIWT Fall 2018 World of Welding

Cover Story

Hunter Smith, of Rossford, OH wasnt sure what he wanted to do for the rest of his life, but he knew
it wasnt going to start at a career center. He had been exposed to the skilled trades by his step-
father, who is a journeyman electrician. Hunters step-father taught him the basics of plumbing,
electrical, construction work etc. so he had an idea of what types of jobs may be available as a
skilled tradesman. As a freshman in high school, he was trying to decide what he wanted to focus
on, if he was going to pursue post-secondary education after graduation, or what exactly his career
path was going to look like. Hunter lives very close to the Penta Career Center in Perrysburg, OH and
his mom thought he should look into something there before he started his sophomore year of high
school. Hunters grandfather, who is a US Navy veteran is also a welder, so Hunter was encouraged
to at least consider looking in to that. With mom giving him a slight nudge, he visited Penta and
decided to enroll in the welding program at the career center. Now, over three and a half years later,
Hunter is a graduate of the welding program at Penta Career Center and a student at Hobart Institute
of Welding Technology. He credits his grandfather (who is a Hobart Institute graduate) for his love
of welding and his mom for pushing him into looking at it. I thank my mom all the time for making
me look at welding states Hunter. I love welding and I would not have found it had it not been for
her. Hunter has perfect attendance so far at HIWT and plans to keep it that way.
When asked what he plans to do in welding after graduation, Hunter said he wants to work in
Louisiana on an off shore oil rig, following in his grandfathers footsteps. HIWT wishes Hunter the
Hunter with one of his airbrushed very best in his remaining classes and in his career as a welder.
welding hoods.

Hunter with his parents Joel and Summer Leganik and Hunter and his grandparents, Mike and Dandy Mack
sister Summer Leganik

2018 FALL ISSUE - 6 - www.welding.org