Making the Grade

Student in the Spotlight

Young Mason Credits Instructor

Brandon Lee Burrus of Lake, Miss., is our masonry apprentice of the month.

A recent graduate of Lake High School, Burrus is working full-time for D's Masonry in Caledonia, Miss. A responsible person, he's working to pay off his truck and to save money for expenses over and above his scholarship to Pearl River Community College, where he will enroll next fall.

Masonry is not Burrus' only interest. A two-year all-state player for his Lake High School baseball team, Burrus played pitcher, catcher and three infield positions. He plans to continue playing baseball at Pearl River Community College.

Burrus has competed in the National Masonry Contest held in conjunction with the SkillsUSA — VICA National Championships held last summer at Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Mo. While working at D's Masonry, he has laid brick on many projects, including a new Blue Cross Blue Shield building and an addition at Jackson State University.

Burrus gives his instructor at Forest-Scott County Vo-Tech, Tommy Anthony, a great deal of credit for his success.

"Other than my mother, Mr. Anthony has been the greatest influence in my life," says Burrus. "He's been more of a father to me than an instructor. He taught me my masonry skills, but he's also taught me about life. Mr. Anthony has made me a better mason and a better person."

Burrus' mother agrees. "Tommy Anthony has been a mentor and father figure to Brandon. If Brandon receives this honor, he'll want it more for his instructor than for himself."

Of his mother, Tory Hackett, whom Burrus calls "the greatest influence in my life," Burrus says, "Mom raised me by herself since I was three, and I think she's done a wonderful job."