by Carly Dick
The Paducah Sun
January 5, 2024
Used with permission.
Samuel Curran is a senior at Paducah Tilghman High School who discovered his interest in welding through trade classes.
Curran is this week’s Associated General Contractors of Western Kentucky’s Technical Center Student of the Week.
When Curran entered high school, he explored his career options at the Paducah Area Technology Center.
“I did a career options class where I tried all four trades that are offered at the PTAC,” he said. “I enjoyed welding the most and noticed the future that could come with being a welder.”
Since starting classes at the technology center, Curran has excelled in welding. He’s now completed three years in the program, earning ATC Welding Student of the Month and getting a job.
Curran currently works in a welding position at Ingram Barge Company.
He credits his technology center teacher with encouraging him to be successful in the trade.
“My teacher, John Garland, has also pushed me to do better as a welder and perfect my craft,” Curran said.
Garland said Curran has an exceptional work ethic, is consistent, punctual, and willing to help others.
His willingness to help others is exemplified in his extracurricular activities. He helps his mom, Kara Curran, with various projects, including painting his grandpa’s house.
Curran is no stranger to hard work. He was employed at Banks Market Grocery Store for a year and a half. He also has a passion for wrestling and mixed martial arts. Curran trained for four years in wrestling and three years in Muay Thai/jiu-jitsu. In middle school, he was a wrestling state qualifier.
After high school, Curran plans to attend a three-year trade school for welding. Upon graduation, he hopes to become a welding or diesel technician and do private contracting.