Sixty-nine Northland Pioneer College’s 2026 welding graduates were recognized for their achievements in a ceremony held at Taylor’s Rodeo Park on May 7, 2026.
Guest speaker Dallas Miller from the Pipefitters Union UA Local 469 delivered the keynote address. Miller applauded NPC’s welding program and the significance of the students’ achievements. He stressed the importance of continuing to perform and perfect their skills and encouraged the students to always keep learning. He said, “Just like any tool you use to complete work, your skill set must be maintained. Even a knife that’s rarely used needs to be occasionally honed, and a knife that’s constantly used sometimes needs the edge reset.”
This year’s welding graduates are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the industry, having earned certifications, degrees, and OSHA qualifications necessary to go directly to work in the field. As he addressed the students, Miller noted, “You’re graduating into an ever-changing world. While much of the welding I’ve done in 30-plus years has remained relatively unchanged, you will likely see new technologies render the old ways of doing things obsolete.” He continued, “As a welder, it’s your responsibility to adapt to these changes. Pursue training and knowledge. He said, “Learn new processes and how to apply them… adapting to the work at hand and looking for ways to improve yourself will ensure your ability to remain employable for the future. Never stop learning. Never stop improving. You’ve made it this far, but this is not the end.”
NPC’s welding program is offered to area high school students, as well as adult learners at the college’s Holbrook, Show Low, and St. Johns locations.
To view a photo gallery of the ceremony, visit www.npc.edu/photos.
Visit www.npc.edu/welding to learn more about NPC’s Welding program.
Congratulations to NPC’s Welding Class of 2026!
Holbrook Welding Graduates
Instructor: Wes King
- Izaiah Ballejos
- Tristan Begay
- Lester Big
- Derek Bitsilly
- Dakotah Cooper
- Troy Francis
- John (Jack) Harris
- Samual Hollins
- Rylee Kalk
- Anthony Nezzie
- Tayla Timican
- Amy Torres
- Karencita Tsosie
- Jaimen Tsosie
- Nate Volwes
- Jordan Waconda
- Xavier Whitehair
- Lakeisha Yazzie
Show Low Welding Graduates
Instructor: Randy Hoskins
- Preston Alderette
- Avalon Allen
- James Beecroft
- Kaely Blake
- Jake Bourke
- Jose Ruiz Bustillos
- Bray Crandell
- Adrian Enriquez
- Anthony Gardner
- Bradley Garvin
- Brandon Gomez
- Hunter Halama
- Farron Halter
- Kaiden Hancock
- Easton Hatch
- Cohen Hudson
- Madison Ivins
- Tyson Jackson
- Eugene Judd
- Bryson Kelton
- Sabyn Lee
- Tabitha Lubeski
- Joshua Mathewson
- Hunter Penrod
- Dallan Rawlings
- Tyler Reagan
- Michael Skinner
- Christian Skousen
- Kaylee Sorenson-Fredlund
- Vicente Villalobos
- Jaden Zook
St. Johns Welding Graduates
Instructor: James Leslie
- Joseph Blunt
- Desmond Brown
- Willard Crandell
- Kason Cisco
- Alexander Fuller
- Taylor Hall
- Garand Harding
- Alden Hamblin
- Oscar Jaramillo
- Koby Kelepolo
- Gavin McCall
- Macail Monk
- Jacob MaCalliister
- Jose Pena
- Peyton Rivas
- Mirranda Sevic
- Bryson Slade
- Austin Sigman
- Charles Stumbaugh
- Samuel Winters
