MONROE — Blackhawk Technical College’s Welding program hosted its annual JunkYard Wars on May 20, an event where high school students use welding to create art from junk. This year’s theme was “School Mascots.”

Teams from 15 area high schools competed in person at Blackhawk’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Milton. After going through safety training, teams selected pieces of metal from a large junk pile and started their creations. From what appears to be ruins, the teams each create a masterpiece and compete for prizes donated by local manufacturers and suppliers.

The event was widely supported by industry partners who generously donated giveaways and prizes for the participants. Thank you to all who donated!

The schools that participated were Janesville Craig, Beloit Turner, Monroe, Evansville, Clinton, Edgerton. The Lincoln Academy, Belleville, RUHS, Beloit Memorial, Janesville Parker, Milton, Lakeside Lutheran High School, TAGOS Leadership Academy and Arise Virtual Academy.