School and Community Winter 2023

prison systems for years,” Ray explained. “They are very strong-willed and always told me that there wasn’t anything I wouldn’t be able to do in life.” While Ray initially studied nursing and psychology, her interests shifted and eventually led her to the STEM industry. Her husband, Jack, was a journeyman pipefitter in North Dakota at the time and, when opportunity came knocking, she joined his company as a fire watch. “I sat on a bucket while others performed spark producing work, and I made sure the space and the workers did not catch fire,” Ray said. “As cliché as it might sound, that experience lit a fire within me.” Determined to ignite that same spark, Ray completely immersed herself in learning the welding trade. With several years of experience under her belt as a combo pipe welder and certifications from groups such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Welding Society, Ray is now a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Following their time spent traveling the country for extensive jobs, the Rays moved back to Missouri and founded their own business. The Alpha Duo LLC. specializes in custom welding and fabrication of many materials including metals, wood, fabrics and glass. Clients bring unique ideas to the married team who jumps at the opportunity to bring meaningful projects to life. One of their most impactful projects was created for the Pleasant Valley Fire Station – a sculpture of the World Trade Center, welded from real debris from the buildings’ collapse. The Rays worked alongside other professionals to construct the beautiful sculpture in 2021, complete with an intricate water feature. This structure is housed at the fire station and will stand as a memorial for generations to come.

When the Rays are not on the job, they keep busy at a local tattoo studio - Jack and his brother are the shop’s artists while DeIla specializes in piercing. This is yet another creative outlet for the hardworking couple. Still, amidst all her success, Ray longed to become a mentor and pave the way for others. Through local connections, she met a young teenage girl who wished to learn about welding and decided to offer private lessons. This interaction led Ray to hear about an opening at the Davis H. Hart Career Center for an additional welding instructor. After interviewing for the position and demonstrating her skill, Ray took a leap of passion and accepted the role. She never saw herself in a teaching position but craved the opportunity to open doors for others to enter the industry. Everything fell into place quickly and the transition into a school-based schedule was abrupt, but Ray has found the commitment worthwhile. “Bringing my experience into this program, I'm able to offer a completely different, non-traditional perspective,” Ray said. “I’m proof that if you put in the work, show up and try, there are a lot of opportunities for welding. Whether they're going to do it in their own shop, at a manufacturing company, on the road or on the pipeline, these students can make great money right out of school.” Together with long-time HCC instructor Scott Ulrich, Ray works to educate and prepare students for welding certifications that can be carried out of school and into their future career paths. Students are given the opportunity to pass exams like the qualitative bend test to evaluate the functionality of the material being welded. Advanced stations are also available to test different position methods of welding, including overhead

Above: DeIla Ray exhibits welding skills in a booth at the Hart Career Center. Middle: The Rays' 9/11 tribute sculpture stands at Pleasant Valley Fire Station. Far right: Ray welds in an industrial environment while on a job. Submitted photo.

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