Riverside’s Dylan Smith Wins National Welding Title, Leads Strong Showing for Bonds Career Center
For the first time in several years, a student from Bonds Career Center has captured a national championship—and this time, it’s Riverside High School senior Dylan Smith leading the way.
Smith earned first place at the 2026 Tulsa Welding School National Welding Competition, held April 11 at the school’s Jacksonville, Florida campus. Competing against top high school welding students from across the country, Smith’s performance stood out at the highest level, marking a major milestone for Bonds’ welding program.
The national title comes with significant rewards. Smith received a $23,000 scholarship, along with several thousand dollars’ worth of professional equipment, including a new welding machine, helmet, and tools—resources that will help launch his career in the skilled trades.
Bonds Career Center has built a reputation for excellence at the national level. The program has sent competitors to the Tulsa Welding School event for the past nine years, with students placing in the Top 10 every year during that span. This year continued that tradition of success in emphatic fashion.
Seven Bonds students competed in the 2026 event, and five finished in the Top 20 nationwide. Alongside Smith’s first-place finish, Michael Powell of Blue Ridge High School earned third place. Evan Keller of Eastside High School placed 13th, Dominick Salamone of Riverside High School finished 14th, and Christopher Zamora Fuentes of Greer High School came in 17th.
“We are extremely proud of the Bonds Welding students. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the hard work and dedication they bring each day as they strive to reach the highest levels of welding,” said Bonds Career Center welding instructor Todd Varholy. “This is a true team effort, and their success reflects that shared commitment.”
Smith’s national championship not only highlights his individual skill and discipline, but also reinforces Bonds Career Center’s standing as one of the top high school welding programs in the country.
