Since the beginning of October, welding has been constructing a larger version of the old skull, which was revealed in 2016 at the front of the school. The current, six-foot skull was formed using a slicing technique. However, the new one is created by utilizing a polygonal method. Both projects were formed by welding sheet metal together.  The new version will stand 10 feet tall and seven feet wide.

“We started with an online model of a skull. Then I had to divide it up into different sections,” senior Matthew Welsh said. “I placed the pieces into simple, 2D shapes, so it would be easier to cut.”

Students utilize a plasma cutter to create the pristine lines needed to weld the multiple pieces together.

“The most difficult thing is the access for welding,” Welsh said. “We have to weld the pieces together from the inside, out. We have to, basically, become contortionists by climbing into the eyes to get inside of the skull.”

All welding classes are taught by Mr. Tony Roseberry, who came up with the idea of updating the school icon.

“Athletics asked for us [welding] to provide them with a skull,” Mr. Roseberry said. “The idea is to replace the current one and give it to athletics.”

Mr. Roseberry was very satisfied to see different students take a challenging idea and turn it into reality.

“I am very proud of their determination and dedication to the project because it is definitely not an easy one,” Mr. Roseberry said.

The skull is predicted to be completed by the beginning of February. Welding plans on submitting the skull into the 2018-2019 SkillsUSA competition Feb. 12.