Out of 1255 Students at Coronado High school, only two were lucky enough to be a part of Coronado’s special welding program, one of which was Oliver Bushman, Class of 2026. This program sparks creativity,and builds a future from the ground up. Bushman is participating in the welding program at Pikes Peak State College, and his experience is already opening doors far beyond his high school career.

Welding is more than just working with metal, it’s a highly skilled trade that requires patience, precision and problem-solving. Through the program, Bushman is gaining hands-on experience with industry tools and techniques that many students don’t encounter until much later in life. From learning how to safely operate equipment to mastering different welding styles and techniques, he is building a strong technical foundation that sets him apart from other students in high school.

One of the biggest advantages of participating in this program is the opportunities it provides. Welding is a high-demand field across industries such as construction, manufacturing, automotive work, and many others. Because he has started early, Bushman has already positioned himself for many job placements right out of high school.

Beyond preparing for his future, the program is also growing Bushman as a student. It is highlighting his willingness to step outside of the norm, and take initiative to pursue a path that most high school students aren’t prepared for. Bushman states that “there’s about 30 students in the program, two from Coronado and all the others coming from Falcon, Calhan, Elicit, Manitou Springs, and Woodland Park. We’re all here for the same reason, and we’re all blessed with this opportunity.”

This program not only grows these students in a career-based way, but also by causes the to breakin the social norm.