Making the Grade

Student in the Spotlight

All-around Athlete and Mason

Andrew Nelson of Fennimore, Wis., is our Masonry Apprentice of the Month. Nelson represented Wisconsin in the national masonry contest held this past June in Kansas City, Mo., as part of the SkillsUSA — VICA National Championships.

A graduate of Fennimore High School where he participated in football, basketball and baseball, Nelson represented Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC) and the state of Wisconsin in the national competition.

Donald Borchert, Nelson's instructor at SWTC is proud of his student. "Andy started out strong and never let up," Borchert said. "Early-on it was easy to tell that he'd be a top student, both academically and skillwise. He's the kind of young man who would excel in any trade."

Like many young masons, Nelson is ambitious and hard working. Following graduation from SWTC, Nelson found employment with Crowley Masonry in Oregon, Wis. Ken Crowley, the owner, reports his pleasure with Nelson's skill level and with his professional attitude.

Nelson credits his parents for helping him "in every way they could," and his instructor for giving him "the right tools, the basic skills, and the right attitude," to be successful in the trade.

Note: If you have an apprentice mason to nominate, contact:
J. David Holt,
c/o Holt Marketing Group, Inc.,
1906 Swift, North Kansas City, MO 64116
or fax to 816/842-9989.