Making the Grade

Student in the Spotlight

Young Mason, and Scholar, too

Justin Ries of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is our masonry apprentice of the month. A recent graduate of Kirkwood Community College, Ries is a full-time employee of Seedorff Masonry.

Joe Luchtenburg, Ries' masonry instructor, knew that he had a special student in his first year of teaching. Prior to the National Masonry Contest, Luchtenburg was asked if any of his students had previously placed first through third in the contest. Luchtenburg must have known something as he replied, "Not yet, but soon." Ries placed third in the National Masonry Contest held in conjunction with the SkillsUSA — VICA National Championships this past summer at the H. Roe Bartle Hall in Kansas City (see "Making the Grade," September 2003 issue).

"Justin was so easy to teach," Luchtenburg says. "He has great learning skills and excellent work ethics. He graduated with a 4.0 GPA and a perfect attendance record, while often requesting extra lab time.

"Justin is such a fine role model that I have invited him back to school to share his experiences with this year's students. And, of course, he's accepted."

Ries' employer is pleased as well. Seedorff Masonry Vice President Mike Boucher comments, "Justin is doing very well. He's been working a variety of commercial jobs with different veneers. His supervisor, Darrell Bennett, reports that Justin's attendance and work ethic are both excellent."

"I serve on the masonry advisory committee at Kirkwood Community College," Boucher adds. "Justin was a standout in his class; and at a mid-year skills demonstration, Bill Seedorff noticed Justin's work. He was very skilled for his limited experience. Bill offered him an opportunity with our company, and Justin accepted."

During school, Ries has been an active participant in Junior Achievement. Not yet finished with his schooling, Ries is continuing to take classes at a junior college in Des Moines with plans to transfer next year to Iowa State University where he hopes to obtain a business degree. His long-term goal is to own his own business.