Lexicon, Inc. and American Welding Society Award $1,000 Scholarship Certificate to Cabot High School Student Dayden Norwood
Steel Day 2025 overall welding competition winner surprised during on-campus ceremony
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Jan. 16, 2026) – Lexicon, Inc., in partnership with the American Welding Society (AWS), awarded a $1,000 scholarship certificate today to Dayden Norwood, a Cabot High School student who earned top honors during Lexicon’s Steel Day live welding competition. Norwood, surrounded by classmates, educators, family members and local leaders, was surprised with the scholarship certificate during a ceremony held Friday morning at Cabot High School.
The scholarship certificate recognizes Norwood’s overall performance during Steel Day 2025, a hands-on workforce development event hosted by Lexicon last fall in collaboration with AWS and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). More than 150 students from six Central Arkansas high schools and community colleges participated in the event, with around 40 showcasing their technical skills in timed welding challenges designed to reflect real-world industry standards. Norwood earned the highest score of all 40 competitors for the quality, appearance and skill demonstrated in his welding project.
“Steel Day is about more than competition; it’s about opening doors and showing students what’s possible in this industry and how they can apply their skill and dedication to a career that makes a difference,” said Viji Kuruvilla, vice president for quality at Lexicon. “The annual Steel Day event represents Lexicon’s continued commitment to investing in the next generation of welders and advanced manufacturing professionals who will help build America for decades to come.”
Chris Layton, an officer from the Central Arkansas Section of the American Welding Society, joined Lexicon leaders in presenting the scholarship certificate and congratulating Norwood on his achievement.
“Events like Steel Day allow students to demonstrate their abilities in an environment that mirrors the demands of today’s welding and fabrication careers,” said Layton. “We are proud to join Lexicon in awarding this scholarship certificate, which recognizes excellence while reinforcing the importance of skilled trades to the future of our industry.”
Cabot High School leadership praised Norwood’s accomplishment and highlighted the value of strong partnerships between education and industry.
“We are incredibly proud of Dayden and grateful to Lexicon and AWS for recognizing his hard work,” said Mike Falcinelli, principal of Cabot High School. “Opportunities like Steel Day give our students real-world experience and confidence as they prepare for careers after graduation.”
“This scholarship certificate reflects the strength of career and technical education programs when they are supported by industry partners who truly value workforce development,” added Dr. Nicole Gatewood, Cabot Public Schools CTE coordinator.
In addition to leaders from Cabot High School, Lexicon and AWS, Cabot Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Gina Jones, representatives from Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade’s office and Norwood’s family and peers attended the event.
Held annually, Steel Day at Lexicon is designed to spark interest in high-demand welding and fabrication careers while highlighting Arkansas’s growing steel and advanced manufacturing sector. Through hands-on learning, mentorship and scholarship certificates, Lexicon continues to support pathways that help students move from the classroom into meaningful, in-demand careers.
