Blackhawk Technical College’s Welding program hosted JunkYard Wars on May 22 at the Innovative Manufacturing Education Center on the Beloit-Janesville Campus. The event featured students from seven high schools using welding to create art from junk.

Beloit Memorial High School students took first place.

JunkYard Wars, sponsored by Kuhn North America, Inc., ABC Supply Company, Inc., The Caldwell Group and the Stateline Manufacturing Alliance, is an annual, hands-on welding competition hosted by Blackhawk’s Welding program. Teams of high school students compete by designing and fabricating welded sculptures using scrap metal. 

The JunkYard Wars theme this year was “Hometown Roots.” Teams were tasked with designing and fabricating a sculpture that reflects their hometown and what it is built on—such as identity, history, industry or something for which their community is known. 

Teams of four students selected pieces of metal from a junk pile, created an art piece and competed for prizes donated by local manufacturers and suppliers. The judging factored in safety, craftsmanship and teamwork of participants.

The event was widely supported by industry partners who generously donated giveaways and prizes for the participants. Thank you to all who donated!

2026 JunkYard Wars Results:

• First place: Beloit Memorial High School
• Second place: Edgerton High School
• Third place: Beloit Turner High School

The schools that participated were Belleville High School, Beloit Memorial High School, Beloit Turner High School, Clinton High School, Edgerton High School, Janesville Craig High School and Janesville Parker High School.