Star grad of OCTEC welding program pays visit to program

Provided photo:  Pictured from left include Sawyer Braley (Albion graduate), Gavin Ciarfella (Medina), William Flannigan (Royalton-Hartland), Chad Brigham (Medina) and James Poler (Lyndonville).

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Sawyer Braley was one of the best students that Orleans Career and Technical Education Center (OCTEC) Welding teacher Ron Jackson has ever had.

“Sawyer was just a really good guy and great student. He took home second place at New York State SkillsUSA,” Jackson said. “He also won the AWS Welding competition and took home a $3,000 scholarship from the American Welding Society when he graduated in 2022. When he stopped in to pay a visit recently my students were excited to see him and get to interact with him.”

Sawyer, a 2022 Albion graduate, took the scholarship he received and attended trade school at the Kentucky Welding Institute to refine his skills as a welder.

“It’s actually pretty funny that I have chosen to be a welder for a career,” he said. “I had some welding skills when I took the BOCES program, but never thought this is what I want to do. I just loved my welding class and Mr. Jackson really inspired me. He is a great mentor.”

Since leaving school, Sawyer has traveled around the country working.

“I have had jobs in New York, Ohio, Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia,” Braley said. “It has been great to see the country and keep building on my skill set.”

He spent a day working with current students at OCTEC and answering questions. When asked what advice he would give the upcoming welders he answered, “Learn everything you can in class and get Mr. Jackson’s phone number after graduation. I have called him many times for advice and he has been awesome. I owe a lot of where I am to him.”