Libby Logger welders elevate their status

A quartet of Libby Logger seniors recently passed their 6G welding tests in the American Welding Society's certifications program by Libby High School and Flathead Valley Community College. They include. (Courtesy photo)

It’s mission accomplished for four Libby Logger seniors who recently became 6G pipe certified following a national certification test.

Connor Benson, Joel Goodman, Khonnor Peterson and Garrett Place achieved the lofty status following classes that give students six credits for high school and college through a long-time partnership with the Flathead Valley Community College’s Lincoln County campus.

“G6 is the top of the line certification where they can weld on any thickness of steel,” Libby metal shop teacher Mort Curtiss said. “There’s a fabricating shop in Spokane where certified welders can make up to $110 per hour.”

Several other Loggers upped their certification status following American Welding Certification testing in May.

Achieving 3G Unlimited were Dominic Thom, Parker Bache, Addison Skranak and Ian Thom.

Those achieving G3 certification included Tristan Andersen, Bridger Bache, Urijah Bache, Payton Freeman, Brody Gilmore, Tristan Hibbs, Gabe Kosters, Nikolas Buckner, Dalton Cannon, Cole Patriquin, and Dennis Smith.

Those passing the 1G test included Tryp Lisle, Shawn Vattimo and Sheldon Jones.

    The Libby High School welding class, taught by Mort Curtiss, saw major improvement during the 2024-25 school year. (Courtesy photo)