The Gridley FFA Ag Welding Team celebrates its recent state championship with an ice cream party, eating directly from the trophy bowl. Pictured, from left: Jack Waller, Aaron Weinzinger, Gemma Donati and Ethyn Rickertson. Photo courtesy of Gemma Donati

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley High School’s ag welding team took first place overall at the California FFA State Finals for Welding, held April 25 at the University of California, Merced.

Ag welding pathway instructor and FFA adviser Nick Dreesman said the team has consistently performed well over the years, but this year marked a significant milestone.

“This is the first time we’ve won the whole thing,” Dreesman said. “We’ve consistently been in the top five the last 15 years, so we’re pretty excited for the kids.”

The team included seniors Ethyn Rickertson and Gemma Donati, and juniors Aaron Weinzinger and Jack Waller.

Weinzinger earned first-place high individual honors, while Rickertson placed fourth. Donati followed in seventh place and Waller placed 20th.

“The team has had a successful year, winning thousands of dollars in scholarships and prizes,” Dreesman said.

“It took a lot of time and persistence,” Rickertson said. “We put in the work to get here.”

“We put in the time and effort at practice multiple days a week, and it paid off,” Weinzinger said.

Weinzinger also earned two individual first-place finishes during the competition.

“Being named first in the state was a huge victory for me,” Weinzinger said. “I couldn’t have done it without the support from my family and my FFA adviser, Mr. Dreesman.”

Many of the students have competed in welding for several years through the ag pathway and FFA programs.

“All of these students have passed American Welding Society D1.1 qualifications for vertical and overhead welding and are a great representation of our program,” Dreesman said. “Their hard work and dedication has led them to their recent success.”

Rickertson and Donati plan to continue their studies after graduation. Donati said she intends to pursue an engineering degree at Cal Poly.

“I’ve competed in BIG Creed, ag mechanics and ag welding throughout my four years in FFA,” Donati said. “Welding has definitely been my favorite competition.”

Dreesman said the program is also preparing for future growth, with plans to become an American Welding Society testing facility in fall 2026.