Making the Grade

Student in the Spotlight

Young Mason, and Scholar, too

Joshua Hess, of Sellersberg, Ind., is our masonry apprentice of the month. A graduate of the C. A. Prosser School of Technology and Silver Creek High School, Hess recently accepted a scholarship to nearby Ivy Technical College.

His masonry instructor, Steve Terry, reports that Hess is a "skilled masonry worker with a good attitude, perfect attendance and excellent work ethics." His instructor's recommendation, along with his Rotary Club Student of the Year Award and the Home Builders Association Award for his classroom work, will look very good on his scholarship application.

In addition to school, Hess works up to 10 hours a day laying and repairing brick for Sparks Masonry, a job he's held for almost two years.

"I've been encouraged by those around me. My parents, my teacher, and my boss have all worked with me and encouraged me to further my education," Hess says. "No one in my family has ever laid brick, so it was the influence of my instructor, Mr. Terry, that pushed me to the national competition."

Hess competed in the National Masonry Competition held in conjunction with the SkillsUSA — VICA Leadership Conference held this past summer at Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Mo.

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.