STC Prep welding student commissioned for art work

Pictured are, from left, Zachry Rhodes, Gail Ware, Johnny Ware, Blaine Burrell and Joe Ware

Zachry Rhodes, Jenkins County High School senior and Swainsboro Technical College (STC) Prep student, was recently commissioned by Gail Ware, vice president of institutional effectiveness at STC, to create a pig structure for her husband, Johnny, for his birthday. The iron pig structure was placed in the flowerbeds at the west-side entry porch of the new Ware's Old Mill Restaurant.

According to Mrs. Ware, "Several months ago, I viewed a welding display showing how the welding students were incorporating various implements and old tools to create works of art. I quickly recognized distinct talents when viewing their work. My husband Johnny has a gift of wood carving, and I knew he would appreciate Zachry's talent in bringing life and personality to metal. I didn't want to hinder Zachry's creativity by telling him exactly what to produce, so I simply gave him a Ware's t-shirt, and Zachry did the rest. His intricate cuts in the iron are simply amazing for someone his age and limited experience. When I asked Zachry if he was interested in some of the new robotic welding, he quickly and emphatically answered in his southern-gentleman tone, 'No ma'am. I just like making things with my hands.'"

"The pig will welcome all of Ware's BQ guests with a cheery smile and curly-que tail, and stands as a symbolic tribute to the iron strength and determination of Joe, Johnny and Blaine in completing the seemingly impossible mill project; the strongas metal, sense of pride their families feel for the three of them; and the powerful appreciation our families have for the friends and honored guests who so graciously bless us with their business," continued Mrs. Ware.

Zachry lives in Perkins with his parents, Dennis and Lynn Rhodes. He attributes his beginning in welding to his agricultural teacher, Virgil Rainey, who convinced him to sign up for STC's welding program, taught by Michael Crumpler.

"As a prep tech student, Zachry completed our industrial MIG Certificate at Jenkins County High School in Millen, and this past quarter, he completed the basic shielded metal arc welding certificate as a night student on our campus in Swainsboro," said Mr. Crumpler. "He is enrolled in the flux cored arc welding class for the current winter quarter and is a talented young man with a 4.0 average for all the courses. Hopefully, he will enter the diploma program since all these certificates are part of the welding and joining technology diploma that we offer at Swainsboro Technical College."

"I was impressed with the way Zachry saw the pig, knew what he wanted to do, and went about creating it on his own. It was his project, and he took it seriously. Zachry supplied the materials and made the pig at his home shop in Millen," concluded Mr. Crumpler.

"This may have been Zachry's first commissioned work, but I'm quite sure it will not be his last paycheck," stated Ms. Ware. "We are extremely proud to display his work."