John Stark Regional High School 2019 graduate Noah Peacock knew he liked working with his hands as he worked side-by-side with his great-grandfather as a kid in his bicycle restoration business. Fast forward a few years, as a high school student, Noah was able to feed his passion for working with his hands by enrolling in every class technical education class offered.
When he was a senior and taking welding, Noah’s interest was further sparked when his teacher, Joab Owen, brought speakers to the class who worked in the welding trade. Speakers from private industry and community college came to talk with students about the different career paths one could take in the field.
“That’s when I found out about the Phaze Welding Technology Center in Peterborough. It was just what I was looking for … a technical school that focused just on the trade of welding, no other classes necessary,” said Noah.
Noah will complete the one-year certificate program at Phaze this summer and has a job offer waiting for him. He plans to work using his welding skills to repair equipment at Mt. William Sand and Gravel in Weare.
When asked about his time at John Stark, Noah offered this advice to students, “Do anything that makes you happy. For me, it was working with my hands.” Noah also offered this, “work hard, don’t complain, be respectful, and save money.”
John Stark Regional High School offers courses in wood manufacturing, carpentry, small engine repair, welding, and sheet metal working.