Clarkston Junior High Construction Tech teacher Jeff Peariso and Principal Adam Kern gave a tour to U.S. Congressman Mike Bishop of the school’s Construction Technology Program, May 25.
“The skilled trades are just another avenue that we can provide our students with to pursue their passions,” Kern said. “For many of these students, this is the beginning of a successful career in the skilled trades.”
The visit also included meeting Superintendent Shawn Ryan, Board of Education members, and members of the Clarkston Champions, the district’s legislative advocacy group.
Peariso gave Bishop a tour of the workshop, introduced him to students, and presented the congressman with a personalized wooden plaque students carved on a CNC wood engraving machine for Bishop.
Bishop, who represents Michigan’s Eighth District, then visited the historic Sashabaw Presbyterian Church on Maybee Road, where Clarkston Construction Tech students have been working since last fall to renovate the Civil War-era structure.
Construction Tech teacher Steve Wyckoff introduced the congressman to students who were finishing up some work onsite. The improvements at the church are made possible by a $10,000 grant from the David W. Elliott Memorial Foundation and numerous community donations. Wyckoff estimates the project will be completed sometime next year.
“I enjoyed learning more about the Clarkston Junior High School Construction Tech Program,” Bishop said. “These students are gaining valuable, hands-on experience. Many students may wish to pursue a skilled trade career. There are many different paths to good-paying jobs, and I’m grateful to Clarkston Community Schools for facilitating these important programs that give young people exposure to meaningful career opportunities.”
“We just felt though that we were doing our students an injustice by not providing opportunities to explore the trades and make them aware of the wonderful careers that could be available to them,” Kern said. “Now that this program is up and running, we hope to continue to provide the students in the program with many rich learning opportunities that they can take and use for many years to come.”