What began as a rusted car hood abandoned to the elements has been transformed into a striking work of metal art by Arismel Nestor, a student from Hot Springs World Class High School enrolled in National Park College’s (NPC) NPC Career Academy Welding Program.
Nestor, a member of the class of 2027, created the piece during her first year in the Career Academy under the instruction of Jeffrey Estright, assistant professor of welding at NPC. The project not only demonstrates advanced technical skill but also reflects how the Career Academy allows students to explore creativity while gaining real‑world trade experience.
“This is my first year, and I’m doing welding,” Nestor said. “Creating this hood means everything to me. I’ve learned so much from it, and I’m grateful for the chance to work on a project like this.”
The artwork’s design evolved organically, beginning with a wolf at its center before expanding into a broader narrative influenced by cultural symbolism. As the project progressed, Nestor added elements inspired by Native tradition, along with stars and paw prints meant to evoke the wolf’s connection to the night sky.
“We started thinking about what the wolf represents,” Nestor explained. “That’s what kept pushing me to keep working on it and making it better.”
The technical challenge was significant. The car hood had spent decades exposed to weather and time, leaving much of the metal compromised by corrosion.
“The hood sat in the woods for about 30 years,” Estright said. “She had to figure out how to remove the rust without damaging the rest of the piece, which is difficult even for experienced welders.”
The process began with grinding the metal, followed by stencil placement, tracing, and precision cutting with a plasma torch. As Nestor’s confidence grew, so did the level of detail in the design, each cut requiring control and patience far beyond what is typical for a high school student.
Ricky Thompson, a former NPC student with a background in autobody repair, professionally painted the piece.
“We originally talked about it being painted black and gold,” stated Estright. “But the painter went with blue and gold, so it ended up being Lakeside colors, the Wolf of Lake Hamilton, created by a Hot Springs High School student. When you think about it, that’s pretty special.”
The result is a piece that, unintentionally but powerfully, represents the three major school districts close to NPC, reinforcing the College’s role as a shared hub for students across the region.
Estright said the craftsmanship Nestor displayed is rare at any level.
“I’ve known welders with 20 years of experience who couldn’t do work like this,” he said. “Seeing a junior in high school create an art piece like this with a plasma torch is impressive.”
Hearing that praise has only motivated Nestor further.
“It makes me want to do more projects,” she said. “I feel proud, and I didn’t want to let my teacher down.”
The piece is expected to be sold, either during an upcoming NPC art showcase or at the Hot Springs Arts and Crafts Fair in October, with proceeds benefiting the NPC Career Academy.
The experience has helped shape Nestor’s future plans. She said she intends to continue her education at NPC after graduating high school by enrolling in the Welding Technology program, allowing Estright to continue serving as her instructor.
“That makes me incredibly happy,” Estright said. “My goal is to make NPC Welding the top program in the state. Seeing students come through the NPC Career Academy and want to stay here tells me we’re on the right path.”
Estright said the project highlights the broader impact of the NPC Career Academy in allowing students to discover trades they may not have otherwise considered.
“She’s showing what’s possible,” he said. “Other students might see her work and think, I can do this too.’”
Nestor expressed gratitude for the opportunities created through the NPC Career Academy and the partnerships that support it.
“Not every state offers opportunities like this,” she said. “Having access to these programs and teachers who support you is a big advantage.”
Through hands‑on learning, mentorship, and creative expression, Nestor’s welding project stands as a powerful example of how the NPC Career Academy is turning opportunity into achievement and helping students transform potential into purpose.
For more information about the NPC Career Academy, visit np.edu/CareerAcademy, or to learn more about Welding Technology at NPC, visit np.edu/Welding.