KILGORE, Texas (KLTV) - Kilgore High School senior Aldo Laredo is the reigning Texas high school welding state champion, and his instructor says he has qualified to compete in the state competition once again.

Laredo said he was surprised when he won last year, in part because he was given less time to complete the final test than he was accustomed to taking."I was kind of worried about it, but I figured out a way to finish in time and complete the test," Laredo said.

Practice and leadershipWelding instructor Bubba Smith said Laredo picked up the skill quickly after joining the program and has spent at least two years welding at home and on weekends."His work ethic has been unbelievable for someone his age," Smith said.