The Home Builders Association of Monroe has appointed Tom Bell to its Board of Directors. Bell teaches the construction trades program at Monroe High School and launched the innovative Trojan Build projects which involve MHS students building entire homes from the ground up.
The HBA promotes the housing industry through education, advocacy, and professional development. The local chapter is committed to growing the skilled trades workforce and supports efforts to bring young people into the building trades.
“The HBA has been very involved in Monroe High School’s construction trades program,” President David Swartout stated. “Inviting Tom to be part of the Board was a natural next step.”
“Tom is the only construction trades teacher to be appointed to an HBA Board in the state of Michigan,” Swartout noted.
Bob Polk, an HBA past president who recently passed in November, played an important role in connecting the two organizations. “Bob met with me in the planning stages for the first Trojan Build and served on our advisory committee,” Bell shared. “He also worked with students over the years to bring their work to the Expo.”
For the past three years, Monroe High School has showcased the Trojan Build at the HBA Show. The booth also featured drawings from the HBA Student Design Competition and a silent auction of student work. In 2019, the Association co-sponsored a fall fundraiser with Monroe Public Schools to benefit a new HBA student chapter.
The appointment is expected to be mutually beneficial, leading to increased collaboration and opportunities. “Tom will be an integral part of HBA going forward,” Swartout said. “We want to help young people move forward in the industry and get involved in community organizations, not just HBA but also the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau.”
The HBA wants young people to understand both the opportunities available to them and the pitfalls to avoid, such as accumulating huge student loans. “You can’t obtain a license if you have issues with credit,” Swartout said. He stressed the importance of letting students know they have options. “There are alternate routes to a successful career,” he asserted. “You can make a good income in the trades without college. Or you can choose to attend community college. You don’t have to take on huge debts.”
Bell enjoys teaching and appreciates the opportunity to pass on his skill and expertise. He began framing houses in high school and had 20 years of trades experience when he was hired at Monroe Public Schools five years ago. Bell spent 12 years in home construction before moving to commercial carpentry where he worked on high-profile construction projects including Tiffin Hospital, Wood County Hospital, Bowling Green State University dormitories, and shops at Fallen Timbers and Franklin Park.
Understandably, Bell is proud of the full-house Trojan Build program he researched, developed, and leads. MHS students frame, add roofing and siding, set windows and doors, trim, do drywall, lay flooring, and build cabinets. Bell coaches his students on life skills as well as technical skills to help them gain and keep employment. “I try to tell them what they need to know and share my life experiences,” Bell summarized.
Bell shares the HBA’s commitment to guide and mentor and is eager to work with the Board. “I look forward to working with HBA leaders to strengthen the skilled trades in southeast Michigan and expand local opportunities that will benefit area builders, our students, and the Monroe community,” Bell said.
“We are proud of the work Mr. Bell is doing in our schools and our community,” Superintendent
Dr. Julie Everly said. “We value our partnership with the Home Builders Association and appreciate
their support which has contributed to our construction program’s success. We welcome the opportunity for additional collaboration.
Two Monroe High School seniors have received National Merit honors through the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Emma Scznsny and Jackson Taft are being recognized for their performance on the 2019 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The test was administered to over 1.5 million juniors around the nation. Emma scored in the top 2% and has been named a National Merit Commended Student. Jackson scored in the top 1% and has been named a National Merit Semi-Finalist.
National Merit students are honored for demonstrating exceptional academic promise. Emma will receive a Letter of Commendation, and Jackson has the opportunity to advance in the scholarship competition. Finalists will be announced in March.
The scholastically-talented seniors are actively involved at Monroe High School and in the community. Jackson is a Monroe Trojan varsity swimmer and three-time state finalist. He has been an A-relay member for MHS and the Southeast Michigan Aquatic Center and has also participated in SST and GTAC swimming. Jackson is Secretary of the C.A.L.C. club, a past Trojan Mentor, and a member of Saint Michael Church. Jackson’s academic aptitude has also earned him a High Achieving Talented Student award. His volunteer work includes the Orchard Center High School food drive, Half Marathon check-in, St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen, and food distribution at Forest Elementary. Jackson plans to study business at the University of Michigan. He is the son of John and Christina Taft.
A two-sport athlete, Emma is a varsity soccer and basketball player whose leadership activities include Drama Club President and Quiz Bowl Team Captain. Emma is a 2018 AP Scholar with Honor, a 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction, and a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she has competed with Monroe United Travel Soccer and danced at the Peg Harris Studio. Emma has served as a volunteer coach for CYO soccer and sports camps at Monroe High School, Monroe County Community College, and Holy Ghost Lutheran School. As an active member of the Holy Ghost Lutheran Youth Fellowship, she has participated in many service projects. Emma plans to attend a 4-year university. She is the daughter of Teri and Mike Scznsny.
The MPS music teachers collaborated to create musical holiday greetings via Zoom. You can listen to their rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” at: https://tinyurl.com/ycu2p7ko
See the attached information and instructions for the December 2, 2020 Vehicle Sale.
The Construction Program at Monroe High School is building more than homes; it’s also building strong futures for its students and alumni.
Four recent construction graduates who are on the road to success are Carson Clark, 2017; Alex Iocoangeli, 2018; Jazlyn Clark, 2018; and Jace Clark, 2019. Although their post-high school paths are each a little different, they share serious work ethics, a commitment to their career goals, and strong roots in MHS construction classes.
Carson and Alex are both students at Ferris State University studying construction management. Carson is beginning his fourth year in the bachelor degree program, however, and Alex has two classes remaining for his associate’s.
In August, Alex was sworn in as a pre-apprentice to UA Local 671 – Monroe Plumbers and Pipefitters. He is working out in the field for Core Mechanical, where he previously worked as a shop hand when he was home on breaks.
“An apprenticeship is a great opportunity because you get paid to learn,” Alex stated, “but it’s also a big commitment. It’s five years, potentially six, including class training and work.”
He would eventually like to work up to a general foreman or supervisor position in management.
“The combination of a two-year degree and a journeyman’s card are strong credentials,” Alex stated.
Although he always had an appreciation for hands-on projects, Alex said the construction class he took with Tom Bell as a senior at Monroe High School helped him decide what he wanted to do in life.
“Mr. Bell spoke to our class about the void that is anticipated in the trades and the opportunities available,” Alex said. He also has observed this himself. “If you look at job sites, there are a lot of younger guys and a lot of older guys ready to retire soon. There is a gap in the middle.”
Alex offers this advice to high school students considering a career in the trades: “Find a trade you think you can find yourself doing. If you don’t know what you want to do, apply to local unions. Keep your options open. It doesn’t hurt to apply to more unions; it can lead to more opportunities”
“Reading blueprints and running pipes is something I thought was rewarding,” Alex said. “As a journeyman in the union, you top off at $41/hour.”
“The top three paying trades are currently plumbers/pipefitters, electricians, and ironworkers,” Alex recommended. “Carpentry is also good because it gives you a big scope of work.”
“I would encourage Monroe High School students to complete a trades program, get your associate’s degree, and obtain your journeyman’s card,” Alex said. “They can’t take a diploma away from you, and together, they are more valuable. Get it done before you’re 30, and with all of the knowledge you have gained, you will be in a good position.”
Both Alex and Carson were part of the Habitat Builds as MHS construction students and appreciated the experience. “It was beneficial having the opportunity to frame a home for Habitat and figuring out how everything works,” Carson said.
While working on his four-year construction management degree, Carson is also gaining professional experience. He worked for the Monroe County Drain Commission, he interned at Cunningham Limp, and next summer he will complete an internship at Colansti that was delayed because of COVID-19.
“I was able to shadow a superintendent on a $50 million project in Detroit. That was an amazing experience,” Carson said. He eventually wants to oversee jobs as a general contractor.
Carson completed the two-year MHS construction program and credits his instructor, Tom Bell, for being a mentor and guiding him. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I took my first construction class,” Carson stated. “Mr. Bell took me under his wing and exposed me to opportunities.”
Carson’s advice to future students is simple: “Finish the program at Monroe High School; it’s really good. Listen to Mr. Bell; he knows what he’s talking about.”
Jazlyn is also majoring in construction management and plans to earn a bachelor’s degree. Although she shares the same last name, Jazlyn is not related to Carson and Jace, who are brothers. She has a transfer agreement established with Eastern Michigan that will allow her to complete three years at Monroe County Community College. Jazlyn is currently starting her third year at MCCC and has worked for two years at the Monroe County Road Commission.
Like Carson and Alex, Jazlyn said she worked on the Habitat Build during her junior and senior years in the MHS construction program. She also tried welding her senior year.
“I actually took Welding, Automotive, and Machining classes in addition to construction,” Jazlyn said.
Her advice for entering high school students would be to explore their options and take advantage of the many quality programs Monroe High School offers.
“Don’t limit yourself to one class,” Jazlyn emphasized. “Broaden your horizon. Try out everything. You never know what you might like, and those skills will always stay with you.”
The youngest of these four alumni, Jace is already an apprentice in Ironworkers Local 25 with one year under his belt. He graduated in June, 2019, entered the trade on July 27th, and officially became an apprentice on August 21st.
Jace echoed the words of Alex about the commitment level for apprentices. “It takes a minimum of 4 years to become a journeyman – 800 hours of class time and 8,000 hours on the job, which works out to 2,000 per year,” Jace said. If you work a 40-hour week, that is the whole year. I would tell freshmen to explore classes and options, and find out what they really like.”
Jace said that his brother Carson’s positive experience led him to sign up for Mr. Bell’s construction program. Like Jazlyn, however, he chose to be part of multiple trades classes – Welding with Glenn Zorn (a favorite), Automotive with Bryan Zamorski, and a machine shop class. When he graduated from Monroe High School, he had gained knowledge and experience in multiple trades areas.
“My CTE instructors helped me find out who I want to be,” Jace stressed. “If I hadn’t taken these classes, I wouldn’t know what they were, and I might be doing something different.”
Schools are in session in Monroe Public Schools, and MPS students are happy to be in class. Due to COVID-19, it’s not traditional school, but students are enjoying their interactions with their teachers and classmates – some in-person in learning labs and others online virtually.
MPS students shared their first-week photos and their observations with two full weeks behind them.
The Fahrbach sisters are doing remote learning from home with teachers and classmates at Manor Elementary. Addy, 6th grade, and Brielle, 4th grade, said it is interesting having class and seeing their classmates on Zoom calls. Emmy, a kindergarten student who was part of Manor’s Young Fives program last year, finds it interesting to do her work on a computer and is enjoying seeing her teacher and friends again. Brielle enjoys being able to wear her pajamas for school (at home). Addy is happy to be back in class and “have something to do again.” Mother Kelly said, “We love our Manor/Monroe family!"
The Layne brothers – Jameson and Sullivan – are part of a Learning Lab at Waterloo Elementary. “The most interesting thing for all of the students, I’m sure, is adjusting to going to school during COVID-19,” mother Renee Layne said, “but my boys are so happy to be at school with their friends.”
Sullivan, who is in kindergarten, said the most interesting part of school so far was meeting his teacher, Mrs. Perkins. The “meeting” took place online via Google Meet video conferencing. He is really enjoying “having time with my new friends.”
Jameson, 4th grade, agreed with his mom that school is a little different right now. “We have to wear a mask and social distance,” he observed. “We also stay with our brothers and sisters all day.” But he doesn’t mind spending time with his younger brother, Sullivan. In fact, he said what he is enjoying most is being able to play with his brother and their friends outside.
Josephine Webb is a kindergarten student at Raisinville Elementary and is learning remotely at home. She said the most interesting thing about school is “reading books every morning with my class.” Her favorite story so far is The Bad Seed. She said her most enjoyable time is “recess.” Her mother, Jenna, explained that Josephine goes outside with her younger sister, who is not yet in school.
MPS Students Are Happy to Be in School
MHS StUDENTS EARN TOP AWARDS at mipa jOURNALISM CAMP
Three Monroe High School students – Samantha Drougel, Gabriella Anderson, and Emilia McLeod – earned four of the highest awards presented at the 2020 Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) Summer Journalism Workshop.
Only ONE award is given for the Staff Challenge which is open to all of the student journalists at the prestigious journalism camp hosted by Michigan State University. This year’s challenge focused on designing plans for the upcoming school year, and the award was presented to Lotus Leaf Co-Chief Editors, Sam and Gabby.
The MIPA summer camp features in-depth classes led by nationally-recognized scholastic journalism teachers and professional journalists from across the country. It is normally held on the MSU campus, but this year’s program featured two 2-week sessions held virtually. Students could enroll in one class each session.
For each class, MIPA presents a few Excellence Awards and one top award – the Sparty. Emilia received an Excellence Award in Social Media. Sam received an Excellence Award in Broadcasting and a Sparty in Podcasting, which is especially notable since she did her first podcast in spring, 2020.
“I am exceptionally proud of our students,” Dr. Julie Everly, Monroe Public Schools Superintendent, said. “The awards reflect not only the level of individual journalistic excellence each student achieved but also the collective time and effort these student leaders and their advisor, Alison Drougel, have invested to elevate the quality and expand the reach of Monroe High School’s student media.”
Over the past year, the MHS student newsletter has evolved into the Lotus Leaf Media Outlet. It now features an online flip format, breaking news, social media channels, broadcasts, and podcasts. The MHS journalists use SNO apps (School Newspapers Online) to integrate the media into a single hub at lotusleaflive.com.
Mrs. Drougel said her journalism students remained highly engaged throughout the COVID-19 closure.
“The students continue to find new ways to use technology to deliver the news. The Lotus Leaf has really flourished,” Mrs. Drougel said. “They teach each other, and they support each other. They call each other when they have questions.”
Sam and Chancey Boyce, who are MHS broadcast co-anchors, now have green screens at their homes. In the spring, while schools were closed, they recorded news segments using green screens, added backgrounds, and edited the video footage to make it appear that they were anchoring together.
Mrs. Drougel said Sam and Gabby worked together over Zoom for the MIPA Staff Challenge. Their detailed plan for 2020-21 includes schedules, job descriptions, group norming procedures, and virtual bonding activities, as well as plans for writing, photography, podcasting, and video packages.
“We are tweaking the details with the supervising editors,” Mrs. Drougel said. “The Lotus Leaf team is excited to implement the plan and put it into action.”
The students are also eager to apply what they learned from the experts at the journalism camp.
Gabby participated in the Bobby Hawthorne Experience which focused on writing style.
“They showed us so many little things we can do if we just put a little more work into what we write,” Gabby said. “So many simple things can make a dramatic difference. If you just take a little more time on the simple things, it can make your writing so much better.”
Sam’s Broadcast Bootcamp included the production of MIPA Today and culminated in a film festival.
“We had guest speakers from the industry come and share techniques to make our product better,” Sam said. “My biggest takeaway was learning to always get more shots than you need, because you never know which ones you are going to use.”
Emilia is the Social Media Editor for Lotus Leaf. The social media class at MIPA helped her to think outside of the box regarding how different social media platforms are used. For one of her group projects, they used TikTok to share information about voting in Florida.
“It’s about meeting people where they are,” Emilia said, “and kids are on TikTok.”
Emilia said the workshops taught her how important journalism really is. “I realized how special the connections journalists make with people are,” she stressed, “as well how crucial it is to have individuals reporting on issues that might be overlooked otherwise.”
The camp’s virtual format didn’t hinder the curriculum or the connections.
“Even though it was online, it felt like a very personal experience,” Gabby said. “They held office hours; they wanted to get to know us. We had an assignment almost every night, and by class the next day, they had left in-depth, personal comments throughout the whole thing.”
Emilia had the opportunity to work with a boy from New York and a girl from California.
“I loved the connections I was able to make with other students,” Emilia said. “I thought that I’d feel isolated with the camp being online, but we did some amazing work together.”
Sam agreed about collaborating with other students. “What I enjoyed most was making the remote broadcasts and working with other students who care as much about broadcast as I do,” she said.
MHS Students Earn Top Honors at MIPA Journalism Camp
Please join us online on Sunday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. for the virtual presentation of Monroe High School's Graduation Ceremony.
If you are unable to watch at 6:30, you may also use the link to view the ceremony later as many times as you wish.
Congratulations to the Monroe High School Class of 2020!
Two Monroe Public Schools students are state winners in the State of Michigan’s Earth Day Poster Contest. Ashrah Kelly’s poster was selected for First Place in the 5th grade contest, and Kailey Stump’s poster was selected for Honorable Mention in 5th grade. Both girls are students at Waterloo Elementary in Sharon Thomas’ class.
Photographs of the winning student posters are displayed on the Earth Day webpage for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy:
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/0,9429,7-135-3307_3580_66835---,00.html
The winners’ names will be announced during a livestream Earth Day Event on Wednesday, April 22, 10-10:30 a.m. (link provided in attached EGLE news release).
2020 marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day.
MPS Students Are State Winners in Earth Day Poster Contest
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