Winners with the family of Spirit Steel founder Howard Martin

Jackson Commercial Contractors Association presented their annual Continuing Education Grants to two graduating high school seniors.

The Jackson Commercial Contractors Association supports education and youth.  JCCA includes in its mission encouragement and assistance to students interested in a career in the commercial construction trades.  Each year,  JCCA awards scholarships to Jackson area graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary education and training in the industry.

At its monthly meeting this week, Scholarship Committee Chairman Jim Vance announced this year’s grantees:

Skyler Dickerson, soon to graduate from Columbia Central High School and the Jackson Area Career Center Construction Trades program.  Skyler Dickerson’s application included very positive statements that he had a firm handle on the career  path  he  wants  to take. Quoting from his application:

“I am going to become a carpenter thru the Greater Michigan Construction  Academy”.  Seeing my work in progress through time, knowing that someone will work in or live in the building I work on,  is unlike any feeling . I have had a passion for it since I built my first club house.”

Preston Christoff will soon graduate from Western High School and the Jackson Area Career Center Construction Trades Program. Preston’s application and his qualifications are truly outstanding, and he also has a firm handle on the career path he will take;  he plans to become a Construction Manager. 

Working for his family’s business Preston has seen Construction Managers in action as they organize projects, manage job safety, and coordinate the timing of materials and subcontractors activities.

Quoting from his application “The reason I like construction so much is you get to build something from a hole in the ground to the ribbon cutting. It makes you feel good because you are the person who  did that, and produced something”.  Preston has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and his Eagle Scout project was construction;  he secured funding and materials to build 6 raised garden boxes at John George Home. 

Preston has been accepted to Ferris State University where his Grant will be used in the Construction Management program. 

This year’s awards were made in the memory of Howard Martin, founder of JCCA member Spirit Steel.

Preston Christoff with Scholarship Chair Jim Vance

Skyler Dickerson with Scholarship Chair Jim Vance