Celebrating Excellence: Provo High’s Student Welders Forge a Legacy of Innovation

February 29th, 2024 /
Spencer Tuinei /
CTE, News, Provo High, Schools, Secondary Schools

Our CTE teachers don’t just point out pathways to make money after school—many of them walk down the path, show them how they’ve traversed their career trails, and give them an avenue to make money now. And among these CTE teachers, Provo High School’s decorated welding teacher, Kaleb Money, is one of the best.

Kaleb’s motto is “Built, not Bought.” The students craft works worthy of praise from simple resources. One can find his expansive welding workshop, nestled within the labyrinthine recesses of Provo High School, concealed behind an unassuming gray door. Auto-darkening welding helmets, protective equipment, gloves, and safety glasses adjoin the classroom walls. Maroon welding screens cover workbenches and the students behind them, sparks illuminating their silhouettes as they work.

In this forge, Kaleb has built up many great welders over the years, leaving a legacy of builders that spans generations. Many of them have their own businesses. They take after their teacher and have started learning and working at an advanced level, worthy of praise. These young craftsmen exemplify the school’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

Today, we’re sharing some information about these advanced Provo High student welders. They’re currently working on projects using Kaleb’s “Built not Bought” motto, and the works they create are astounding. You can check out their current projects at the following Google Slides copy.

Please read below to learn more about these students, and if you want to see how you can help their projects come to fruition, contact kalebm@provo.edu.

Emma Martin: A previous Utah Valley Welding Expo winner– and as a freshman, at that, Emma is a welding phenom. She specializes in metal art, CNC design, tube bending, cutting, and MIG, SMAW, FCAW, and tig welding. We’ve actually covered Emma in a previous article; read more about her exploits here.

Kyson Edwards: Kyson is a visionary in the making, transforming ordinary objects into works of art. His current project involves revamping a golf cart frame into a mock Dodge Cummins, displaying his ingenuity and skill in fabrication and design.

Matthew Morris: With four years of experience, Matthew is a seasoned expert in fabrication, particularly in crafting custom exhaust systems and innovative suspension designs for vehicles. His passion for automotive engineering shines through in his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to pushing the boundaries of possibility.

James Knudsen: A master of custom fabrication and CNC design, James Knudsen’s creations are nothing short of extraordinary. From intricate tube chassis to elegant window well covers, James’s work reflects a blend of technical expertise and artistic flair that sets him apart in the world of welding.

Matthew Bowers: Matthew, a junior at Provo High School, is a rising fabrication and welding star. His passion for building and creating extends beyond the workshop, as he eagerly takes on projects like constructing a flatbed for his truck while sharing his journey on social media to inspire others.

Kenny Kuhni: Kenny’s expertise lies in custom fabrication and CNC cutting, where he seamlessly blends craftsmanship with technology to bring his visions to life. His dedication to his craft is matched only by his willingness to learn and innovate, making him a standout among his peers.

Jared Monn: Jared’s talents extend beyond welding to encompass a wide range of fabrications and CNC design. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for craftsmanship, Jared’s projects are as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing, reflecting his commitment to excellence in every endeavor.

Ethan Smith: Ethan, a junior at Provo High School, is a multi-talented individual whose skills in welding are matched only by his prowess in custom signs and decor. His commitment to his craft is unwavering, as he balances his passion for welding with his dedication to ballroom dancing and academics.

Kevin Ortiz: Kevin’s passion for welding is evident in his dedication to mastering basic fabrications and CNC design. His current mini bike project showcases his creativity and ingenuity as he brings his vision to life through meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Isaac Cole: Isaac’s diverse skill set encompasses welding, custom fabrication, woodworking, and even 3D modeling and printing. His passion for creating extends beyond the workshop as he explores programming, parkour, and digital design, showcasing his versatility and creativity in every endeavor.

Kelson Scott: Kelson’s expertise in fabrication and welding is matched only by his dedication to excellence in all aspects of his life. As a senior at Provo High School, Kelson’s commitment to his craft is evident in his meticulous attention to detail and passion for pushing the boundaries of possibility.

Talon Colarusso: Talon Colarusso’s talents span many disciplines, from CAD blueprints to cosplay fabrication. His current project, inspired by the Batpod from The Dark Knight, is a testament to his creativity and skill, showcasing his ability to turn imagination into reality through welding.

As we close CTE month, we thank our CTE teachers for offering our students their passion, dedication, and innovation. We applaud our students for taking the initiative in shaping our shared future, too, and look forward to what the future holds for them.

Again, please feel free to email kalebm@provo.edu and see how you can help them with their project.