By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

Over the April 14-16 weekend, Clarkston Construction Trades program students represented the Clarkston community at the 2023 state championships in Grand Rapids.
Six Clarkston students battled their way through local and regional competitions to earn their place at the state finals in the categories of individual carpentry, team works carpentry, and individual masonry, with Brendan Verbeke bringing home a gold medal in individual carpentry.
“Our students put their talent to the test against the state’s best and showed what it means to be a Clarkston Wolf,” said Construction Trades instructor Adam Gorring.
Competitions required print reading, understanding of building codes, and mastery of carpentry, masonry, electrical, and plumbing.
Verbeke will represent the state of Michigan at the national skills leadership conference in Atlanta this summer.
In addition to Verbeke, the other Clarkston students who participated in Grand Rapids included Scott Dobson, Jesus Montes, Jon George, Zach Schachermeyer, and Marcus Paul.
Gorring is joined on the instructional staff by Neil Granlund and Steve Wyckoff.

PHOTO: From left, Adam Gorring, Scott Dobson, Marcus Paul, Zach Schachermeyer, Jesus Montes, Jon George, and Brendan Verbeke, members of the Clarkston Construction Trades program, pose for a photo after the Construction Trades State Championship April 16 in Grand Rapids. Photo: Provided by Adam Gorring