Three welding students from the St. Clair County Technical Education Center (TEC) attended Ford’s ACCELERATE: The Essential Economy Conference at Michigan Central in Detroit on September 30.

TEC was one of only three schools invited to participate in the event, which drew leaders from business, government, and education to discuss how to meet the country’s growing demand for skilled workers in manufacturing, construction, energy, transportation, and other vital industries.

Welding students Rori Cowhy, Yale High School graduate; Brayden Fontenot, Port Huron High School; and Allie Stamplis, St. Clair High School graduate, represented TEC and their home schools along with welding instructor Becca Robertson and TEC Principal and CTE Director Lesley Murphy.

The students showcased original welding sculptures, demonstrated an interactive welding simulator, and talked with conference attendees about the skills they are developing through career and technical education.

“Being invited to ACCELERATE gave Rori, Allie, and Brayden an opportunity to show how career and technical education helps students build a future in the skilled trades,” Murphy said. “With one in the workforce, one in college, and one currently attending TEC, they represented the different paths our students can take. Each spoke with confidence and pride about their skills and experiences, bringing a personal perspective to the conversation about why the skilled trades matter.”

Comedian and actor Nate Bargatze hosted this year’s conference, and the students had a chance to meet him. Bargatze is the new face of Ford’s “Real Parts. Real Pros. Real Easy” campaign, which highlights the skilled professionals who service and maintain Ford vehicles.

The event capped a busy year for Cowhy, a Yale High School student. This summer, she competed in Welding Sculpture at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.