Chelsea Rocha, a senior at Kilgore High School, has made school history by becoming the first female welder from the school to qualify for the state welding competition twice. This marks Rocha's second appearance at the state level, having previously qualified as a first-year student.
Rocha secured her spot in the upcoming state competition by earning first place at a recent local competition hosted at Silsbee High School. She is now preparing for the state welding competition, which will be held on May 2nd at Texas State Technical College.
Bubba Smith, Rocha’s welding coach at Kilgore High School, expressed immense pride in her achievements throughout her high school career. “We are incredibly proud of Chelsea and all that she has accomplished,” Smith said. “She is a true trailblazer, not only for Kilgore High School but for young women entering skilled trades.”
In addition to qualifying for the state competition, Chelsea also received an impressive $12,500 in scholarships for her first-place finish at the Silsbee High School welding competition.
