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From left: PSC students Glen DeMars and Dakota McCoy, Adjunct Instructor John Copley, adjunct instructor; Jac Rolison, instructor; and students Kyle Vance, Jordan Wilkerson and Leonard Harvilla.
Students from the Pensacola State College welding program are competing in the America’s 250th Anniversary Statewide Welding & Fabrication Challenge, a competition hosted by the Florida Department of Education to honor the nation’s history through metalworking.
Welding programs throughout the state have been invited to submit one entry — metal artwork, plaque or sculpture — inspired by the anniversary theme. Florida’s Commissioner of Education Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas will select the winning entries.
PSC’s submission is a double-sided CNC-cut piece with American flags featuring “1776” and “2026” on each side to commemorate the 250th anniversary. CNC (computer numerical control) cutting uses computer-controlled machinery to cut, shape or carve materials like wood, metal and plastic. The project was created over two weeks in April ahead of the May 1 entry deadline.
Fabricated from steel plate, each flag showcases precision, laser-cut stars and stripes with crisp, clean edges to reflect the strength, discipline and craftsmanship of American manufacturing.
One side honors the nation’s origins, featuring the first American flag alongside the Liberty Bell — symbols of the 13 original colonies and the sacrifices made to secure independence and liberty. The reverse side displays today’s 50-star flag with a soaring eagle representing a unified nation in which all states draw strength from one another in the ongoing defense of freedom.
This FDOE initiative, linked to honoring American history, highlights craftsmanship and provides students a platform to display the skill, creativity and workforce talent within the state’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
“This project highlights advanced technical skills in CNC programming, laser cutting and welding while serving as a tribute to the enduring American spirit of freedom, resilience, and innovation,” said Jac Rolison, PSC welding instructor, about PSC’s submission. “It stands as a lasting community landmark, connecting 1776 to the 250th anniversary in 2026.”
Following the competition, the works of art will become permanent fixtures in communities and campuses throughout the state. The final location of PSC’s project is yet to be determined.
In addition to Rolison, the following individuals helped complete PSC’s project submission for the America’s 250th Anniversary Statewide Welding & Fabrication Challenge: Glen DeMars (welding project coordinator); Wyatt Allen and Justin Evens (CNC liaisons); Mike Garner; Olivia Potts and Ben Word (video team); and Leonard Harvilla, Kim Lugo, Dakota McCoy, Charles Sanders, Kyle Vance and Melissa Chavez (welding and fabrication team).