Ontario, California—On Apr. 11-13, Colton High students competed in the annual SkillsUSA national competition, which was held in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario.
Ghael Pasos, who qualified for the national event by taking gold in the divisional competition, won the silver medal for his welding sculpture.
Additionally, three other welding students, Abel Perez, Andrew Luquin and Joel Benitez, competed in the fabrication event.
Welding pathway advisor Chris Barta was proud of the Fabrication team’s performance. “Our Fabrication team did not medal, but represented the school with integrity and good sportsmanship, helping other teams and doing a fine job on their competition project competing against some of the best contestants in the State,” Barta said.
SkillsUSA is a workforce development organization that hosts annual competitions in a wide range of skill events. At CHS, participation in SkillsUSA is a student-led effort as part of our welding pathway. “It’s more than just welding by the way, there are many other competitions.” explained Barta.
For Ghael Pasos, this competition was about more than just winning a medal. His welding sculpture was a bouquet of flowers made of bronze and steel in honor of his mother, Blanca.
Pasos’s mother was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, and by the time the contest began, he was told the devastating news, which is what motivated him to make this sculpture.
“I found out my mom has stage three cancer, and the yellow represents her because one of her favorite colors is yellow, and I wanted to use brass to represent her.”
The heart that serves as the base of the sculpture is one of the most interesting elements of his work. Pasos explained, “I put the heart at the bottom since each one of the pebbles on the base is a reason why I love my mom, ‘cause it comes from the bottom of my heart.”
Pasos’s hard work, dedication and grief are what made him strive to make these flowers and sculptures. These sculptures are more than just beautiful art; they also show a deeper love and representation for his mom.
This story was originally published on The Pepper Bough on May 1, 2025.
