By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

Summer vacation began just a bit later for Brendan Verbeke, and he was fine with that.
During the week of June 19-23, Verbeke made his way to Atlanta for the Skills USA National Competition in carpentry, a week-long event involving team building activities, networking with industry professionals, and an all-day carpentry build-off.
And he wound up finishing among the top half of students in the entire United States.
“I felt extremely humbled learning I represented my school district and myself in such a positive manner,” Verbeke said. “The thought of potentially two more years really resonates with me as I think of what I can do better. I’ve been interested in this ever since a Construction Tech class came into my STEAM class at the middle school. I’ve always loved hands-on working and learning and the teachers did a really great job showcasing those aspects of the class causing me to join.”
The national skills competition pits the gold medalists from each state against one another in what Clarkston Community Schools Construction Trades instructor Adam Gorring said “could be described as the carpentry olympics.”

“Students are given the task of an eight-hour build involving wood and metal stud framing, rafter calculation and construction, print reading, and building code comprehension, a grueling event requiring both mental and physical strength,” Gorring said. “Brendan was the epitome of what it means to be a Clarkston Wolf. One of the only sophomores in a field of mostly high school seniors, Brendan conducted himself with unwavering focus and determination throughout the event.
“When the dust finally settled, he found himself in the top half of the nation’s best carpenters.”
Supporting Brendan throughout the competition were Gorring and fellow instructors Neil Granlund and Steve Wyckoff, along with his parents Dave and Klaire Verbeke and grandparents Tom and Kathy Tabaka.
Verbeke said he is intrigued by construction as it is far from a typical trade.
“I love how it encompasses so many different skill sets and forms of leaning that are so much different from a traditional career/class while at the same time offering individuality between builders,” he said. “Being able to look at a blueprint and see that unbuilt house in front of you is just an unreal experience.”
Down the line, Verbeke, entering his junior year at Clarkston High School next month, wants to make construction a career, and then some.
“I do plan to get a degree in Construction Management and just see where the industry takes me with the eventual goal of owning my own company,” Verbeke said.
Gorring is excited to see what Verbeke can accomplish his last two years of high school.
“With the intention of continuing on in the Clarkston Construction Trades Program for the next two years, Brendan has high hopes as he looks ahead,” said Gorring. “With the experience he has gained, along with the opportunity to sharpen his skills in the upcoming years, Brendan’s future is certainly looking bright, but for now, he is ready to start his summer and go back to just being a kid.”

PHOTO: Clarkston Construction Trades instructors Adam Gorring, left, and Neil Granlund, right, pose with incoming junior Brendan Verbeke at the Skills USA National Competition last month in Atlanta. Photos: Provided by Adam Gorring