Bronchos repeat statewide Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society title
Team’s back-to-back victories demonstrate district’s commitment to preparing students for in-demand skilled trades careers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 23, 2024
CONTACT: Christopher Behnan, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (248) 767-4377
Bronchos repeat statewide Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society title
Team’s back-to-back victories demonstrate district’s commitment to preparing students for in-demand skilled trades careers
HOLLY, Mich. — Their mission was straightforward, yet would require teamwork, organization and focus to execute successfully. Four Holly High School students were given incomplete plans to build a 4-foot by 6-foot deer blind from scratch in under eight hours.
The Broncho team of Karsen Steele, Kyle Aderholdt, Ryan Brandt and Noah Mathis completed the project well under the allotted time, earning them first place in the Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society (MITES) Construction Trades State Finals. The statewide win May 10 in Gaylord follows a first-place finish for the team at the same event last year.
“These students showed remarkable ingenuity in applying skills they learned in our construction trades classroom to a real-world scenario and were racing against the clock in the process,” said Tony Ceccacci, Holly High School construction trades instructor, who advised the Broncho team with trades assistant Phil Clos and math instructor Jason Barth. “The professionalism, teamwork and creativity they exhibited reflects our successful and growing construction trades program that is preparing our students for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.”
The student team had a workday to build a deer blind based on preset, incomplete plans from a pile of construction materials. Information missing from the plans required the students to think on their feet and solve problems under pressure. Eight groups competed this year to build the deer blind complete with a roof and narrow openings on all sides.
The Broncho team was one of only two that finished their deer blind before time expired.
The Holly students took home first place due to their attention to detail, professionalism and ability to maintain a safe and clean jobsite, according to the judges.
“I’d like to personally congratulate each member of our construction trades team for yet another amazing victory at the MITES competition and retaining last year’s title,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools superintendent. “These outstanding students demonstrate our continued commitment to preparing all Bronchos for in-demand careers, including those in the skilled trades.”
The Broncho team’s winning performance can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9_BYEyIp7Y
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The Broncho MITES competition team and advisors pose with their completed deer blind at the May 10 competition in Gaylord.
Broncho Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society Press Release May 2024