Hampton, VA – May 2026

TMG, Inc. Recognizes 2026 Mark Orton Honorarium Recipients and Welders of the Year

TMG, Inc., alongside the New Horizons Regional Education Centers, proudly recognized the 2026 recipients of the Mark Orton Honorarium and TMG Welder of the Year awards during an annual ceremony celebrating leadership, craftsmanship, and the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

The event brought together students, instructors, and families to honor outstanding Career and Technical Education students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their craft, personal growth, and future careers within the skilled trades workforce.

Joe Barto, President and Founder of TMG, spoke to the impact mentorship and support systems have on the future of young professionals, sharing a message with this year’s honorees:

“Align yourself with people who believe in you more than you believe in yourself.”

The ceremony also recognized the continued dedication of the welding instructors, and educational leaders, who invest daily in developing future talent and creating opportunities for students to succeed beyond the classroom.

The Mark Orton Honorarium serves as a lasting tribute to Mark Orton’s legacy of leadership, humility, work ethic, and commitment to others. Mark dedicated more than three decades to Ball Metal, beginning his career as an entry-level production mechanic before retiring as Plant Manager in 2013. Each year, the honorarium is awarded to students who reflect the same values and character that defined Mark’s life and leadership.

TMG’s Welder of the Year recognition highlights students who have distinguished themselves through technical ability, leadership, dependability, attitude, and commitment to excellence within their welding programs.

2026 Mark Orton Honorarium Recipients

• Nicholas Somers
• Carson Dorn
• Ryan Clary
• Jonas Taylor

2026 TMG Welder of the Year Recipients

• Valentino Battista
• Cannon Brooks
• Maxwell Kennedy
• Christopher Cook

TMG and New Horizons Regional Education Centers remain committed to strengthening workforce development pathways and supporting students as they transition from education into meaningful careers that support industry, manufacturing, and national mission readiness.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 honorees and their families on this outstanding achievement.