First female winner emerges in Illinois high school welding competition

Chris Spencer Superintendent | Official Website

By Lake County Gazette

Apr 20, 2025

Elliana Allen secured first place in the 2025 Illinois Regional High School Welding Competition, becoming the first female to win the event's history. The program is sponsored by Midwest Technical Institute (MTI).

Allen, a student at Coal City High School, represented Grundy Area Vocational Center (GAVC) at the April 12 contest held on MTI’s East Peoria Campus. The competition welcomes high school seniors and saw participation from 66 students across 24 school programs this year.

Elliana’s victory earned her a $5,000 scholarship and brought an additional $1,000 to GAVC.

Elliana was one of two GAVC students who finished in the Top 10. GAVC's welding program is instructed by Roger Nelson and Tom Nelson.

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Coal City Community Unit School District 1

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