STA STEM Lab expands with new welding stations, blessed by Bishop Checchio

At St. Thomas Aquinas High School, innovation and hands-on learning go hand in hand. The latest addition to our STEM Lab – state-of-the-art welding stations – was officially inaugurated by Bishop James F. Checchio, marking another step forward in our commitment to excellence in education.

These new industry-level welding stations will provide students with real-world, practical experience, giving them a competitive edge in both college and career pathways. Through an after-school welding program, students will work with a welding expert from Frazier Industrial, gaining hands-on instruction in the fundamentals of welding, metalworking, and fabrication.

Principal Harry Ziegler emphasized the impact of this program, stating: “This initiative represents our commitment to innovation in education. By bringing industry-level welding technology into our STEM Lab, we’re giving students an opportunity to gain invaluable experience that will set them apart in college and the workforce.”

This unique expansion was made possible by the generous support of William and Carolyn Mascharka and the assistance of Hope Through Education, an organization dedicated to helping students reach their full potential. Mascharka and Rick Ziwot of Hope Through Education highlighted the importance of hands-on skills that complement the outstanding academic education students receive at STA.

For senior Ava Marcal, one of the first students in the program, welding has been an eye-opening experience: “I joined welding because I had seen a lot of the artistic aspects that I wanted to try out. But once I got into it, I realized it’s more than just melting things together – it’s about precision, patience, and skill.”

The welding stations are already being put to good use, as students prepare for the upcoming STREAM Faire on April 11. Among their projects is a fully operational go-kart built from the ground up, showcasing the creativity, ingenuity, and technical skills of STA students.

This initiative is yet another example of how STA empowers students to dream big, work hard, and innovate boldly. As our STEM program continues to grow, our students are proving that faith, knowledge, and hands-on learning create a foundation for a bright future – one weld at a time.

Michael Kowalczyk serves a STAHS director of communications.