David McCoy one of 25 honored by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools
Oct. 3, 2023—When David McCoy started teaching welding at Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP) High School seven years ago, he opened up his one-teacher shop in an old girls locker room that had been gutted.
That space is now a full-fledged welding shop with 24 stations where the program’s expanded three-teacher staff help students bring their passion and career aspirations to life. Since starting the program, they have certified more than 320 career-ready students.
Today, McCoy was named one of 25 winners nationwide of the prestigious 2023 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, which comes with a $50,000 award, to honor his impact on skilled trades education.
“I can’t tell you what this means to me,” McCoy said during a surprise celebration today at the Harbor Freight store on Dixie Highway. “When I came to PRP, the diversity that’s here and the opportunity for the students that I get to work with is amazing.”
The $50,000 prize money will hopefully help the school expand the welding shop to 35 stations as the bustling pathway continues growing, McCoy said.
McCoy’s welding program is known for its robust industry partnerships that generate engaging experiences and connect students to employment opportunities.
Dylan, a PRP senior, said McCoy helped him secure a job at program partner WireCrafters.
“I really thank him just every day for what he did for me,” Dylan said. “It just really changed my path.”
Collaborating with multiple partners, McCoy started the “Future Women of Welding Competition,” the first all-female welding competition in the state of Kentucky, which helped expand the PRP program’s female student base. Participation grew from three females in 2022 to 20 females in 2023.
“I just want to thank Mr. McCoy because what he brings to the table every day can't be replicated,” said Sheri Duff, PRP Principal. “His passion and dedication is second to none.”
PRP junior Ariana called McCoy a great teacher who always has a smile on his face, even when he’s stern.
“When you’re with the welding program, he teaches you to grow up,” Ariana said. “He teaches you to get a job. He teaches you good work ethic. He’s preparing you for real life.”
During Tuesday’s award presentation, Louisville Deputy Mayor Barbara Sexton Smith presented McCoy with a proclamation naming today David McCoy Day in the city of Louisville.
Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman called Tuesday an “inspirational day” and praised McCoy for his hard work and impact.
“Our job as adults is to open every single door and help our kids find their passion so that they can build the kind of life that they want and that they deserve,” Coleman said. “I know in the trades for so long, you guys have not gotten the fanfare that you deserve, and we're learning every single day how critically important all of these trades avenues are to our everyday lives.”
For McCoy, connecting with his students and seeing them succeed is what helps him wake up every morning excited to teach, he said. He stays in touch with many of his former students, several of whom still work in the industry, he said.
“I can honestly tell you I get rewarded every day,” McCoy said. “These kids…I think they understand that I really, truly believe in them, whether they believe in themselves or not.”