ABC Pelican hosts Louisiana FFA Area III craft competition and jambalaya cook-off

WESTLAKE, La. – The Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors hosted a craft competition today at its Southwest Training Center for 100 Louisiana FFA Area III high schoolers from Avoyelles, Evangeline, Allen, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Acadia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion Parish. The students competed in welding and small engine while ABC Pelican Members participated in a jambalaya cook-off.
 
“Congratulations to these local, rising stars in our industry, and thank you for choosing ABC Pelican to show off your impressive craft techniques,” said David Helveston, President and CEO of the Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. “Each of the Area III craft competitors did an outstanding job of displaying their skill sets, technical understanding and safety know-how at today’s competition. Opportunities for the next generation of craft professionals like these are possible because of our strong partnerships with educational programs like Louisiana FFA.”
 
Here are the winning teams of the Louisiana FFA Area III Craft Competition in small engine and welding:
 

• Small engine winners of the Area III competition (teams of two):
  • 1st: Luke Roelle and Garrett Manuel, Northwest High School
  • 2nd: Jaci Miller and Joseph Rodriguez, Jennings High School
  • 3rd: Lane Nugent and Joshua Woodworth, LASAS High School
  • 4th: Jadon Smith and Nicholas Boudreaux, Jennings High School

 

• Welding winners of the Area III competition (teams of two):
  • 1st: Tyler Simon and Devin Blanchard, Rayne High School
  • 2nd: Triston Mayeux and Domingo Cooper, LASAS High School
  • 3rd: Peyton Lemaire and Davyn Godeaux, North Vermilion High School
  • 4th: Tyler Young and Brayden Manz, Grand Lake High School

 
While high school students competed in the Area III Louisiana FFA craft competition in welding and small engine, these ABC Pelican Member companies participated in a competition of their own-- a jambalaya cook-off: 24HR Safety, Aptim, Performance Contractors and Turner Industries. The cuisine prepped by the companies fed competitors, educators and attendees. ABC Pelican Member companies also discussed careers in construction with these students.
 
Here are the winners of the cook-off:

• 1st: Performance Contractors
• 2nd: Turner Industries

 
Celebrating its 40th year, the Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC) represents the merit shop construction industry in 52 of the 64 parishes in Louisiana. It is a diverse, non-profit, trade association of contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and industry professionals who have joined together to advance the construction industry by promoting and protecting the Merit Shop Philosophy and the principles of the free enterprise system.