Gabe Dolson receiving Jackson, Michigan – Jackson Area Career Center construction student Gabe Dolson has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Jackson Commercial Contractors Association (JCCA). Jim Vance, a member of the JCCA, awarded the scholarship to Dolson at the Career Center’s construction site house on May 16. Dolson, from Jackson Christian High School, enrolled in the construction class after he visited the program during his 10th- grade year. He helped to finish the Career Center’s site house last year that was featured in the Home Builders Association of Jackson’s Parade of Homes. This school year, he was involved in the start of the Center’s next site house. “This is the closest thing to real world experience that you can get,” said Dolson. “The instructors are great, and you can learn so much from them.” After two years in the program, Dolson will use his scholarship to continue his education at Jackson Community College and pursue a business degree. He hopes to someday own his own contracting business. He currently works for a private contractor in Spring Arbor and has also been nominated for the Jackson Area Home Builders Association’s Most Valuable Student award. “Gabe is an all-A student who has great leadership capacity,” said Jon Kopp, Career Center construction instructor. “He has been great to work with and has encouraged a few of his friends to enroll in this class.” Dolson’s mother was present when he received the award. She praised the Career Center program and instructors for having programs like construction and allowing her son the opportunity to hone his skills. “The Career Center has been a great experience for Gabe. I knew he would be in construction when he was seven years old and took apart our sink, then put it back together on his own,” said Cathy Dolson, Gabe’s mother. “He has really benefited from this program. The leadership and the instructors are great!” Career Center students have been awarded the JCCA scholarship for three consecutive years. This annual scholarship is available to graduating students who are continuing their education in construction-related trades or electrical, architectural or civil engineering areas. The selection process is based on answers to application questions and recommendation letters. Jackson Commercial Contractors Association (JCCA) supports area schools and social services as well as the arts and recreational resources to help make Jackson a vibrant and desirable place to live. This year’s scholarship was awarded in memory of Frederick Schmid, owner of General Materials, who passed away in the fall of 2007. More information on JCCA can be found at www.jcca.biz. Career Center students annually receive some $300,000 in scholarships from area business and institutions. For more about the Career Center, go to www.jacc-mi.net.
Joshua Clark The 2007 (Second Annual) Jackson Commercial Contractors Association's Continuing Education Grant, in conjunction with Jackson Area Career Center Construction Trades Department, was presented to Joshua Clark of Brooklyn, Michigan. He was highly recommended by instructors and employers. Joshua's career plans are to be an Electrical Contractor or an Electrical Engineer. For the 2007-2008 school year, Joshua is enrolled at Jackson Community College in the Electrical Engineering Associate Degree Program and plans to continue his education at U of M or MSU. Joshua has worked for Milo Electric Company, Inc for two summers and during the school year Co-op program. He is truly focused on an electrical career path.
Joshua Miller receiving Jackson Commercial Contractors Association's first annual continuing education grant was presented to Joshua H. Miller. Joshua is a 2006 graduate of Northwest High School and a participant in Jackson Career Center's Construction Trades Program for 2 years. Administration was handled by Jackson Area Career Center. Joshua was a unanimous choice from 12 qualified applicants. The $1,000 grant will assist Joshua with tuition at Ferris State University where he is enrolled in the Construction Management Degree Program. The 2006 grant was presented in honor of Bob Willis, the recently deceased owner of Robert Lake Company. All seniors in Jackson County high schools interested in a career in the construction industry are eligible to apply for the grant. |
