Sequoyah High School senior Michael York placed first in the Tennessee SKILLS competition, making him the top high school welder in the state.
He will represent the state in the national competition in Louisville.
He has participated in school fishing tournaments, lacrosse, baseball, track, basketball, and ROTC. He was also the Raider commander in ROTC.
Michael has been an active member of the student chapter of the American Welding Society, serving as vice chairman. He has participated in numerous welding contests, including those at Sequoyah High School, Rainsville, Ga., and Jacksonville, Fla.
He plans to become a welding apprentice and pursue a career in the welding industry.