Eastland Career Center welding students Allie Beerman (above) and Arly Kisner (below) are not just breaking the mold in their school’s welding lab, but also in their shared hobby. The two met through the rodeo circuit in elementary school and both rode in the National High School Finals Rodeo in Gillette, Wyo., last summer. Beerman is a senior at Hamilton Township Schools while Kisner is a junior at Teays Valley Schools. They attend the Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools’ welding program at Eastland Career Center in Groveport. “I like to design and create new things,” Kisner said. They have learned important life lessons in rodeo that they are applying in the welding program and when planning for their futures. “A lesson that I’ve learned from rodeo is that hard work and determination beat talent every time,” said Beerman. “I’ve learned to do whatever it takes to achieve my goals and I will continue that mentality moving forward.” Kisner said she’s learned that “you have to work for what you want, not wish for it.” Beerman recently applied to join the Union Local 189 for plumbers and pipefitters. Kisner plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in architecture while continuing to use her welding skills for summer work, including assisting with her dad’s business. She’s eyeing colleges that have a rodeo program in hopes that this can remain a part of her life.
