Region 8, Mid-Coast School of Technology

MCST May Student of the Month

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The faculty at the Mid-Coast School of Technology has recognized one outstanding Student of the Month from the Introduction to Applied Technology (IAT) program. The award is based on demonstration of the characteristics of solid attendance, positive attitude, and excellent work ethic. Selected for the May IAT program is Ian Nason, a freshman from Camden Hills Regional High School. According to Instructor Clare Stinson “Ian has been a welcome member of the IAT program this year. He is a student who makes teaching worthwhile. He is conscientious, enthusiastic, invested and motivated to do well. He also is an all around nice guy who has made tremendous strides in improving his academics and continues to be responsible for his own learning.”

MCST Graduating Seniors Honored

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Friends and family were welcomed to the Mid-Coast School of Technology's Student Recognition Night by Director Beth Fisher on Thursday, May 27, 2010, at the Elks Lodge on Rankin Street in Rockland. This annual event celebrated the accomplishments and achievement of students from Camden Hills, Georges Valley, Medomak Valley and Rockland High Schools, Lincoln Academy, the islands of Vinalhaven, North Haven, Isleboro, along with home-schooled students.

The keynote speaker, Senator Chris Rector, inspired the students with a number of hints and tips for success in life. He recommended the following: you are ultimately responsible for you own success, strive to put in your best effort every day; find joy in your work; realize that happiness comes from the inside, don’t rely on others to make you happy; now that you’ve proven your success in education, don’t be afraid to learn more, be a lifelong learner; and give back to your community in whatever way you define community.

Master of Ceremonies, Student Services Coordinator Tom Stammen, handed out one hundred two certificates of program completion. Another forty students participated in co-op programs within their sending schools. Twenty-six awards in categories for outstanding achievement, and outstanding progress were handed out. Twenty-five seniors are members of the National Technical Honor Society. Four seniors were honored for their participation in Skills USA, all four received medals for their work in their trade program: Gold medal winners were Melissa Simmons (CHRHS), Advertising Design and RJ Polky (GVHS), Fire Fighting; and bronze medals were awarded to Brett Butterfield (Lincoln Academy), Fire Fighting, and Morgan Porter (CHRHS), Courtesy Corps. Sixteen students were recognized as Student Ambassadors for their work promoting and sharing their MCST experiences.

A total of nearly $20, 000 in local scholarships was presented. Receiving awards for Early College for ME – Brett Butterfield (LA), Chris Crippen (CHRHS), Joseph Lawson (CHRHS), RJ Polky (GVHS), and Cassie Thomas (CHRHS); the Michael Libby Memorial Scholarships presented by Jane Pierce were awarded to – Joshua Harjula (RDHS), Benjamin Lufkin (MVHS), Kyle McLaughlin (RDHS), and Novelle Szandzik (RDHS); the Adam Ober Scholarship recipients included – Morgan Porter (CHRHS) and Thomas Cain (RDHS); the Andy Anderson Scholarships went to – Kyle McLaughlin (RDHS) and

Morgan Porter (CHRHS); Emily Barfod Scholarship recipients included – Catharine Bissonnette (CHRHS), Joshua Harjula (RDHS). The MCST Activity Account Scholarships went to Samantha Bartlett (CHRHS), Thomas Cain (RDHS), Ashley Lindsey (CHRHS), Kyle McLaughlin (RDHS). John Murphy of Fisher Engineering presented the Fisher Engineering Scholarship to Joshua Harjula (RDHS). The recipient of the Maine Association of Career and Technical Education Student of the Year award and scholarship was Courtney Kilbreth (MVHS).

Refreshments were provided following the ceremony. MCST is grateful to John Ludwig and the Elks Lodge of Rockland for their generosity and accommodation of this annual event.

MCST April Students of the Month

Wed, 19 May 2010 08:00:00 -0400

The faculty at the Mid-Coast School of Technology has recognized four outstanding Students of the Month for April from the Math, Medomak Valley Co-op, Welding and Small Engine Repair programs. The award is based on demonstration of the characteristics of solid attendance, positive attitude, and excellent work ethic. Selected for the April Math program is Alvin Peabody, a senior from Medomak Valley High School. According to Instructor Christine Blaisdell, “Alvin has great math skills. He comes to class prepared and readily applies himself.” Josh Young, a junior from Camden Hills Regional High School, is in the Small Engine Repair Program. Instructor Glenn Wooster describes Josh as “a great student who gives a helping hand to whomever needs assistance. He always asks questions if he doesn’t understand to clarify any confusion and has maintained a high grade in the class all year.” Nick Young, a senior from Medomak Valley High School is nominated by his Work Co-op instructor Suzanne Hall. Mrs. Hall finds Nick to be a courteous, helpful and focused individual, with high aspirations for his future. Brandon Belcher, a junior from Medomak Valley High School is nominated by his Welding instructor, Ed Lee.

MCST Inducts Twenty Three Students Into National Technical Honor Society

Thu, 13 May 2010 08:00:00 -0400

On May 4, 2010, twenty three students were honored at the Mid-Coast School of Technology in a formal ceremony inducting them into the prestigious National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).

The NTHS honors students for their commitment and achievement in seven different attributes: skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship and leadership. The NTHS slogan is “Excellence in America’s workforce begins with excellence in workforce education.” NTHS is the leader in providing recognition for excellence in career and technical education and creating significant occupational opportunities for America's top workforce education students. Students receive a number of benefits from their membership in NTHS including official letters of recommendation from a national organization, opportunities to apply for member only scholarships, graduation regalia (sash and tassel) to wear at their high school graduation, and recognition at the Mid-Coast School of Technology. In order to be inducted, students must be nominated by their technical instructors and then complete an application process which included maintaining an 85 sending school grade point average and a 90 grade point average in their technical program, they also needed to collect two letters of recommendation, and answer a questionnaire that addressed the seven attributes.

The following students from area high schools were inducted as new members:

Camden Hills Regional High School: Samantha Bartlett, a senior in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program; Catharine Bissonnette, a senior in the CNA program; Ashley Lindsey, a senior in the CNA program; Hilary Foss, a senior from CHRHS, Derek Drechsler, a junior in Residential Carpentry; Rachael Brown, a junior in the Work Co-op program; Kendra Holbrook; a senior in the Work Co-op program; Morgan Baxter, a senior in the Medical Science program; Jessica Leach, a senior in the Work Co-op program; Morgan Porter, a senior in the Medical Science program; Nicole Spanswick, a senior in the Medical Science program; Micah Heanssler, a senior in the Pre-Engineering program; Jed Patten, a junior in the Small Engine program; and Hannah Matson, a senior in the Small Engine program.

RSU 13 - Georges Valley High School: Liz Janczura, a senior in the Work Co-op program; Kara Dow, a junior in the Medical Science program; and Owen Carlson, a junior in the Small Engine program.

RSU 13 - Rockland District High School: Siera Wilmot, a senior in the Work Co-op program; Josh Harjula, a senior in the Precision Machine Tool program; Kyle McLaughlin, a senior in the Precision Machine Tool program; Novelle Szandzik, a senior in the Medical Science program.

Medomak Valley High School: Brandon Eugley, a student in the Automotive Technology program.

Home school program: Dan Greiner, a second year student in the Culinary Arts program.

MCST Awards Student of the Year to Courtney Kilbreth

Mon, 10 May 2010 08:00:00 -0400

Courtney Kilbreth, a Mid-Coast School of Technology (MCST) senior from Medomak Valley High School , has been awarded Career and Technical Education (CTE) Student of the Year honors. She attended the CTE Student of the Year Awards Ceremony at Lewiston Regional Technical Center on May 1 where she was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Guest speakers for the event were Susan Gendron, Maine Education Commissioner, and U.S. Congressman Mike Michaud.

Courtney has attended MCST for the past two years…Medical Science last year and the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program this year. She has excelled and maintained a two-year grade average of 95. In the fall of 2010, Courtney will attend the University of Maine Fort Kent to pursue a nursing degree and become a Registered Nurse. After graduating from nursing school, she plans to continue her education and become a nurse practitioner.

Courtney has been active in her school and community. She has been a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters for three years and has committed to working with a child for one hour per week as part of the program. She has demonstrated her leadership as a mentor for new associates while working at T.J. Maxx and attended a Leadership Conference for the medical field in July 2009.

At MCST, Courtney is the President of SkillsUSA and organized several fundraisers such as the food drive, coin drive, and sale of MCST sweatshirts to help fund to cost to attend the Skills USA Competitions. She is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and served on the MCST Student Panel, which presented at all our sending schools in an effort to promote CTE programs at MCST.

MCST students pitch in to help Cushing youngsters

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:00:00 -0400

As reported by Holly Vanorse of Village Soup

The students in the afternoon residential carpentry class at the Mid-Coast School of Technology are doing something special for their community. They are using the skills they are learning as carpenters to assemble two dugouts for the Cushing Recreation Department.

Dan Dishner, who teaches the class, said this is not the first time he's set his students on the task of dugout building. The dugouts at the Jaycee Park on Old County Road in Rockland were built by one of his classes.

Originally, the Cushing Recreation Department had considered having the Maine State Prison build the dugouts for them, however, the program that would have built them, was shut down bringing the recreation's board back to square one.

That's when Ken Smith, a member of the Cushing Recreation Board took the dugout idea to Dishner.

Having come from a school which offered a vocational program, Smith said that he is a supporter of the MCST program. "We also understood that the project is for 'Farm Team Dugouts.' " Smith said. Adding that the project would allow the carpentry students to learn without the concern for perfection.

Aside from coaching the boys Farm Team "Cushing Cobras" and being a member of the Cushing Recreation Board, Smith is also a sergeant for the Rockland Police Department. Smith has lived in the area 19 years, 11 of them in Cushing. During one of his police trainings, Smith sat in on one of Dishner's carpentry classes.

The project is funded by the Cushing Rec department. Smith spearheaded the project by presenting Dishner with the interest in having his class build the two dugouts. After Dishner expressed interest in the project, Smith brought him the plans for the two buildings. In return, Dishner supplied Smith with a quote for the project.

Dishner then set his afternoon class to the task of building the dugouts.

Dishner's afternoon class is a small one with only nine students. Jeff Bailey, Ryan Walker and Hanna Cutler from Camden Hills Regional High School, Chris Wilgus from Georges Valley High School, Joshua Neubig, Dan Winchenbach, Graham DeLeo and Mike Marble from Medomak Valley High School and Ike Morin, a homeschooled student, are the team that's already built one dugout and well on the way to completion of the second.

The wire caging for the front of the dugouts has been provided by Brooks Trap Mill in Thomaston.

Smith said that he pops into the afternoon class almost weekly to watch the progress the students are making.

"The Cushing Recreation Program is a community program, and the carpentry program is a community program," said Smith. "It's a win-win situation."

Neubig, a junior at Medomak Valley High School who is also a member of the Cushing fire department, said that he's happy that he's doing the project for the community. "It means a lot to be doing it," he said.

Dishner enjoys being able to give his students projects like this and other buildings to do during the school year. "It teaches skills and it's something they enjoy," Dishner said.

The dugouts were originally to be placed on the Cushing field before the baseball season started, but due to rain, the cement slab was not able to be put in place. Now the dugouts will be set into place at the end of the season.

MCST March Students of the Month

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:00:00 -0400

The faculty at the Mid-Coast School of Technology has recognized two outstanding Students of the Month for March from the Residential Construction and Baking/Hospitality programs. The award is based on demonstration of the characteristics of solid attendance, positive attitude, and excellent work ethic. Selected for the March Residential Construction program is Amanda Peterson, a senior from Rockland District High School. According to Instructor Dan Dishner, “Amanda is doing great in this class. She is always on task and completes her classwork. One of the things that impress me most about Amanda is her willingness to do things that are hard for her to do. When she started the program she would not climb a ladder…slowly she kept trying until she was able to work on a shed roof installing shingles. Now that’s a big deal!” Josh Reil, a junior from Camden Hills Regional High School, joined MCST Baking program mid-year and has really risen to the top! Instructor Carol Pelletier describes Josh as “motivated, with a great attitude and strong work ethic.”

In addition, Nick Young, a Medomak Valley High School Cooperative Education Student, has been named Student of the Month at MVHS. With a 3.79 GPA, Nick is involved in a number of school activities including: MVHS Tennis Team; Academic Honor Roll, '07, '08, '09, '10; Perfect Attendance, '07, '08 and so far in '09; Employee Of The Month June '09; and he was recently selected an artist for Youth Art Month at the Portland Museum of Art '10.

Shown below are Amanda Peterson (top), Josh Reil (middle), and Nick Young (bottom)

MCST To Host Totally Trades

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:00:00 -0400

The Mid-Coast School of Technology in Rockland will host Totally Trades on May 6, 2010. Totally Trades is a free hands-on workshop for high school girls interested in trades & technology. The workshop offers opportunities for girls to explore and build skills during hands-on activities in various trades and technologies. The trades being highlighted are Marine Technology, Heavy Equipment, Automotive, Carpentry, Fire Fighting, and Cabling. A "Women in the Trades" fashion show will also be featured. This is an all day event (8:30AM to 1:30PM) with lunch provided.
The event is sponsored by the Maine Centers for Women, Work & Community. Students should talk to their guidance counselors or tech school coordinators to register, or call 596-2615.

Mid-Coast School of Technology holds lock-down safety drill

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0400

As reported by Andrew Benore, Village Soup, Knox County

Rockland — The Mid-Coast School of Technology held a lock-down safety drill March 22 to practice in case there is ever a threat to the school.

Maine State Police Trooper Jeremiah Wesbrock said the Mid-Coast School of Technology was the first high school in the area to do this type of drill with law enforcement personnel. He said because of fire drills and training with firefighters, it has been more than 50 years since a student has been injured in a school fire.

"Now it is our job as police officers to step forward and protect the kids," Wesbrock said, referring to the threat of school violence.

Rockland Deputy Police Chief Wally Tower said police officers routinely train for emergencies, such as a school shooting, but students and staff have not been participants in the training.

"Every year, schools conduct multiple fire drills to keep children safe and as a result, a student injury in a school fire is almost unheard of today," Tower said in a news release. "Yet no training or emergency response drills involving students and staff have been conducted to address the school shootings taking place in today's society across the country."

Mid-Coast School of Technology Director Beth Fisher said there were lock-down drills held for both the morning and afternoon sessions at the school. There were approximately 150 students in each session. Fisher said the students quickly went to their assigned places of safety, and kept quiet. It took the morning session 23 seconds to disappear in the building. The afternoon session took only a little longer, about 30 seconds, Fisher said.

"You could not hear a sound," Fisher said. "Everybody did exactly what they were supposed to do."

Wesbrock said a school goes into lock-down mode when it is not safe for students and teachers to move around the school. The students and teachers are locked down until law enforcement arrives and the school is secured, he said.

The teachers at the Mid-Coast School of Technology have been going over the lock-down training with students, Fisher said. The March 22 lock-down drill was the first time the school practiced with law enforcement personnel. The drill included the Knox County Sheriff's Office, the Rockland Police Department and the Maine State Police.

Ed Lee, the Mid-Coast School of Technology's welding instructor and chairman of the school's safety committee, spent many months researching the emergency response plans of other area schools and consulting with law enforcement officials to develop a plan. The teachers and staff received incident command training from Ray Sisk, director of the Knox County Emergency Management Agency. The Mid-Coast School of Technology has other assets for emergency planning, including Mike Drinkwater, firefighter and emergency medical technician instructor; maintenance director Steve Tuttle, who has experience in emergency management protocols; and Fisher, who has emergency and firefighter training in her former career as a marine engineer.

"All of these individuals devoted countless hours, and are highly trained, dedicated and committed to the safety of the students and staff," Tower said.

The officers were at the school to provide feedback to the students, teachers and administrators, as well as to get familiar with the building, students and staff.

"During the planning, the school's emergency response staff became well acquainted with law enforcement, and the teachers and students had the opportunity to interact with law enforcement officers," Tower said. "This also provided law enforcement officers with very in-depth knowledge of the makeup and layout of the school, all of which creates a support network."

Fisher said the issue of school violence needs to be an important part of training. She said students will follow the leadership of the teachers, who need to be comfortable with what they are supposed to do in a lock-down situation. That is why the lock-down drill was important, she said.

"We hope we never have to deal with the real thing but we live in the real world," Fisher said.

Wesbrock said other schools can contact their local police departments to arrange a lock-down safety drill with law enforcement personnel. Other schools, such as Camden Hills Regional High School, have held emergency training sessions, but not specifically a lock-down drill with law enforcement officers present, he said. Wesbrock encouraged all schools to conduct lock-down safety training with their police department or the Maine State Police.

Tower said lock-down drills take approximately 15 minutes from start to finish. He said the Mid-Coast School of Technology hopes to conduct the training drills every semester so staff and students can be prepared for an emergency.

"It is also hoped that other schools will become involved in this very valuable training and preparedness," Tower said.

MCST Welcomes New Graphics Instructor

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0400

MCST is excited to introduce our newest instructor, Brandon Koons, teacher of the Graphics Art Program. Brandon has brought a fresh talent to our graphics art program at MCST. During his interview we were dazzled by his diverse qualifications. He brings state of the art knowledge in many facets of the graphics and design field and his work with theater enhances his video talents. His comfort level with web-page design allows him to not only teach this in the classroom but to share it on a professional basis with other staff. His youthful enthusiasm has already been demonstrated in his volunteering to incorporate filming other programs into his student activities and to use the films to assist in promoting the school. Brandon's familiarity with technology in general makes him an asset to our professional staff as they seek to enhance the role of the "one-to-one" laptops in the classroom. We are delighted to have him and believe he will showcase our school to the media in a whole spectrum of new ways.

MCST Takes Five Medals at SkillsUSA

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0400

Twenty students from the Mid-Coast School of Technology in Rockland attended the 2010 SkillsUSA Champions State of Maine Competition in Bangor, held March 11 and 12. Bringing together students, teachers, and industry representatives, SkillsUSA works towards ensuring America has a skilled work force. This national, nonprofit, leadership organization serves students, high school and college, who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations.

The primary site of the state competition was United Technologies Center (UTC) with several competitions held at neighboring Eastern Maine Community College. In competitions lasting approximately four hours, MCST students showed their mettle and knowledge as they worked against the clock and other participants. By the end of the day MCST students had captured five medals: two gold and three bronze. Gold medal winners were Melissa Simmons (Camden Hills Regional High School), Advertising Design and RJ Polky(Georges Valley High School), Fire Fighting. Bronze medals were awarded to Brett Butterfield (Lincoln Academy), Fire Fighting; Morgan Porter (Camden Regional High School ), Courtesy Corps; and Derek Dreschler (Camden Hills Regional High School), Carpentry.

Career and technical schools awarded scholarships to the winners in excess of $20,000. In June the gold medalists, and all Courtesy Corp medalists, will compete in Kansas City, MO, at the national competition.

Students participating were as follows: Melissa Simmons (CHRHS), Advertising Design; Jessica McBrien (MVHS), Commercial Baking; Courtney Kilbreth (MVHS), Kara Dow (GVHS), Hilary Foss (CHRHS), and Ashley Lindsey (CHRHS), Health Knowledge; Brendan Montague (RDHS), Nurse Assisting; Mike Root (RDHS), Brett Butterfield (LA) and Robert Polky (GVHS), Fire Fighting; Morgan Porter (CHRHS), Samantha Bartlett (CHRHS) and Novelle Szandzik (RDHS), Courtesy Corps; Toby Andrews (RDHS), Culinary Arts; Caleb Emerson (RDHS), Observer; Shaylynn Lavoie (GVHS), Food and Beverage; Ryan Hill (CHRHS), Job Interview; Mark Reed (MVHS), Precision Machining; Brandon Belcher (MVHS), Welding; Derek Dreschler (CHRHS), Carpentry.

MCST Co-op Student Earns Animal Rescue Team Certification

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0400

Congratulations to Adam Russell, a student at Medomak Valley High School and a member of the Mid-Coast School of Technology Co-op Work program, on participation in his first Lincoln County CART (County Animal Response Team) meeting. Adam has completed his Incident Command System course and received his ICS-100 certification. This is the first level of training through FEMA. In the case of an emergency, Adam is part of a team providing search, rescue, and care for domestic animals.

MCST February Students of the Month

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0400

The faculty at the Mid-Coast School of Technology has recognized three outstanding Students of the Month for February from the Introduction to Applied Technology, Auto Collision Repair and Marine Technology programs. The award is based on demonstration of the characteristics of solid attendance, positive attitude, and excellent work ethic. Selected for the February Introduction to Applied Technology program is Devan Long, a freshman from Georges Valley High School. According to Instructors Clare Stinson and Joe Weber, “Devan is able to adapt to changing situations and not forget the task at hand. She plans to attend a two year technical school after high school. Whether it be welding, carpentry or academics Devan’s work always represents quality effort.” The Marine Technology Program honor goes to Tyler Fogg, a junior from Rockland District High School. Instructor Richard Irving finds Tyler to be “an asset to the Marine Tech class because he is a willing worker and is a team player during projects. He has participated fully in class and took the lead on a fund raising project for his local hockey team, all despite some health challenges.” Alvin Peabody, a senior student at Medomak Valley High School is honored by the Auto Collision program. Instructor Mike Chaples appreciates Alvin’s ability to focus on tasks and see them through to completion. Alvin also demonstrates excellent safety habits according to Mr. Chaples.

MCST Students Share A Global Classroom Experience

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0400

There is a new student-learning project in Midcoast Maine that refuses to let county or country boundaries slow it down. It is business creation with an international and technological twist that only students with a “no boundaries attitude” could make happen. The question presented to a group of RSU/SAD 40 Business Math and Mid-Coast School of Technology Pre-Engineering students is how to market the electric car that went 90 miles per hour…yes, you read that correctly…an electric car that went 90 miles per hour.

Last spring MCST Pre-engineering students built an electric car that was tested at the Knox County Airport. Seen on Youtube going 90 miles per hour, the car now needs to be marketed to complete its business growth cycle and be ready for a world of possibilities. Under the direction of Ms. Joyce Davidson, RSU/SAD 40 Business Math Teacher, Suzanne Hall, MVHS School to Career Coordinator and MCST liaison, and Loren Arford, MCST Pre-engineering Instructor, student entrepreneurs are gathering resources including information, innovations, and business acumen in an effort to transform the electric car into a marketable product.

The project is an aspect of a federal Title II grant coordinated by the Maine Department of Education titled Creating a Network of Educators to Communicate about Teaching Math II (CNECT Math II). The grant is a partnership among Mid-Coast School of Technology, RSU 40, RSU 13, Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance and University of Maine Farmington. CNECT II goals are to:

refine a model of professional development to improve teachers’ knowledge and instructional skills in the area of data analysis and statistics;
build capacity for lateral collaboration in a Regional Learning Community; and
improve student achievement in the areas of data analysis and statistics.

Local business executive Gerald Hall, President of the Newspaper Plates Division of MacDermid Printing Solutions and a resident of Saint George Maine, agreed to mentor the students through the business and marketing process. The only problem was a concern with his international business travel schedule and meeting with students on a timely and consistent basis. Well, you can run but you can’t hide from persistent educators. Ms. Davidson’s math class is equipped with wireless computer connections, a computer with the possibility of using Skype and a SmartBoard. Linda Trenholm and Wayne Barrows, MVHS technology dream team, were called in and on March 4, 2010, Mr. Hall met with students while he was in Wigan, England and the students were in Ms. Davidson’s business math class at Medomak Valley High School.

During the international business meeting, students discussed the electric car project with Mr. Hall. Ideas flew around the classroom, questions evolved, and notes were taken. At the end of the business meeting duties for information gathering were assigned and plans were made to meet the following week.

At the next meeting, Mr. Hall met with the MCST Pre-engineering and MVHS Business Math class in person to further develop a marketing plan for the electric car. Ms. Davidson and students hosted the meeting and included Dr. Maggie Wyckoff, Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance CNECT II consultant, in the discussion with students as well as Mr. Arford and Mrs. Hall MVHS/MCST liaison.

The photograph below was taken by Mrs. Hall during the Skype session with Mr. Hall in England.

MCST Students help raise funds for youth hockey

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 -0500

The students of the Mid-Coast School of Technology Marine Technology morning program put a united effort into crafting a 11’ Monhegan skiff that brought $1200 at the Fifth Annual Hat Trick Auction, that was held February 5, to benefit Maine Coast Skaters Association Youth Hockey, the Midcoast Ice Cats, and the Camden Hills Regional High School Windjammers. The idea was brought to the attention of Instructor Richard Irving by Kelly Fogg, mother of MCST Marine Tech student and youth hockey player Tyler Fogg. The students decided that even though there was an unfinished skiff in the shop that they could easily have put the final touches on, they wanted to build one from scratch. Tyler and his classmates, Richard Curtis, Sam Cousens, Chris Knight, Brandon Rich, Patrick O’Donnell and Sam Delano worked hard to meet the deadline of January 27, when all auction items needed to be delivered. They got it out the door on January 27th with the varnish on the thwart still wet. “The skiff could not have been completed without teamwork. It was a real learning experience,” said students Tyler and Richard. Mr. Irving was impressed with the final product given that it was the first lay-up (fiberglass composite) for this group of students. The initiative demonstrated by the students to start from scratch and see the project through is something that is fostered at Mid-Coast School of Technology. The curriculum at MCST is primarily project-based and the skills are learned and practiced through many community service projects. This project also shows the dedication the students have for keeping their extracurricular activities alive and funded. The home ice of all three youth hockey organizations is at Midcoast Recreation Center in Rockport, where hockey players from fledgling Atoms to mighty Midgets spend fun-filled winters chasing the puck, building strong teams, and learning good sportsmanship.

MCST January Students of the Month

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 -0500

The faculty at the Mid-Coast School of Technology has recognized two outstanding Students of the Month for January from the Medical Science and Culinary Arts programs. The award is based on demonstration of the characteristics of solid attendance, positive attitude, and excellent work ethic. Selected for the January Medical Science Program honor is Morgan Porter, a senior from Camden Hills Regional High School. Instructor Monique Priebe finds Morgan to bea “ conscientious and hard-working student who demonstrates great leadership skills. She is a team player, working well with her classmates and approaches the class and assigned projects with enthusiasm.” Dan Greiner, a home school student, is honored by the Culinary Arts program. Chef Josh Gamage appreciates Dan’s consistent and reliable focus on tasks in the kitchen. Chef Gamage reports that, “Dan is a model student. He shows initiative and enthusiasm.”

MCST December Students of the Month

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:00:00 -0500

Three students recognized at Mid-Coast School of Technology, Rockland, Maine: The faculty at the Mid-Coast School of Technology has recognized three outstanding Students of the Month for December from the Precision Machine Tool, Social Studies, and Residential Construction programs. The award is based on demonstration of the characteristics of solid attendance, positive attitude, and excellent work ethic. Selected for the December Precision Machine Tool Program honor is Josh Harjula, a senior from Rockland District High School. Instructor Rich Barratt considers Josh “a second year student who shows initiative and motivation. Josh has taught himself how to use the design program AutoCAD Inventor in order to create the blueprint for a machine part. He also has advanced to learning computer numerical control (CNC) machinery and how to program them. He’s a great role model in the class.” Evan Hopkins, a senior from North Haven Island is honored by the Social Studies program. Dennis Littlefield, Social Studies instructor appreciates Evan’s good nature. “Evan is an excellent student. He is conscientious, shows consistent and strong effort, and takes time to do a good job on all assigned work.” Derek Drechsler, a senior from Camden Hills Regional High School, was selected by the Residential Construction program. Instructor Dan Dishner finds Derek to be a very skilled worker who is self motivated. “I can put Derek on a task and not worry, he remains focused on getting the job done. He works well on a team and has even completed some facility jobs for the MCST Maintenance Department,” reports Mr. Dishner. Derek is also a SkillsUSA participant.

Student Built Firefighting Building Helps Students Train

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:11:47 -0500

December 23, 2009

A recent collaboration between programs at the Mid-coast School of Technology has resulted in the construction of a building built by students to be used by students. MCST started the 2009-10 school year with a brand new program. The Fire Fighting Program is well on its way of being a very successful and popular program. With the help of the Residential Construction students they now have a new training facility.

The proposed building needed several features required in the fire fighting trade. The skills included breaking in and entering a window, breaking in a door entry, climbing a ladder on a two story building, erecting a ladder on a roof using a ladder hook, and cutting a hole through the roof to gain access to the inside of the building. All of this information was provided to the students in the Residential Construction and they designed a structure with a 12’ x 16’ footprint, a fourteen foot wall on the front of the building, a roof on the back of the building that was at least twelve feet in length with at least an eight inch rise, a loft on the inside, two windows and a steel entry door. Construction began in mid-September. Both the morning and afternoon Residential Construction students worked on the project. The building was detailed enough so that all students were able to do some framing, scaffold installation, roofing and siding, skills important to the building trade. They also learned what it’s like to work in the elements putting time in on windy days with temperatures in the twenty’s. The building is located behind the main school building so the wind off the ocean made for typical midcoast conditions. They also learned the value of teamwork, working together on a common goal. The Residential Construction class was able to finish up the building before the first snowstorm and the keys were handed over to the Fire Fighting program at the end of November.

When asked how the structure will serve the students, Mike Drinkwater Firefighting Instructor, explained, “It will allow the students to perform many hands-on skills that are vital in the fire service. These skills will include, but are not limited to, ladder practices, rescue techniques, hose advances, ventilation and forcible entry procedures. Having this building on campus will allow the students to train on site versus having to be transported to an off site location.” There is a great deal of satisfaction and pride from Residential Construction instructor Dan Dishner and all the students involved in the construction. They know that the structure will serve the new program well and benefit the surrounding communities for years to come with future fire fighters being properly trained in the skills of fire fighting.

MCST November Students of the Month

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:13:43 -0500

Two students recognized at Mid-Coast School of Technology, Rockland, Maine: The faculty at the Mid-Coast School of Technology has recognized two outstanding Students of the Month for November from the Small Engine Repair and Technical Communications programs. The award is based on demonstration of the characteristics of solid attendance, positive attitude, and excellent work ethic. Selected for the November Small Engine Repair Program honor is Aaron Keating, a junior from Medomak Valley High School. Instructor Glenn Wooster considers Aaron “a very focused student who sees all assigned tasks to completion. Aaron is helpful and when he finishes something asks what’s next. He is well respected by his classmates and is a very good student.” Emilia Doak, a senior from Vinalhaven Island is honored by the Technical Communications program. Sue Stewart, Tech Communications instructor appreciates Emilia’s self-motivation. “Emilia is dedicated and hard working. She’s gregarious and involved in classroom matters and always strives to do her best.”

MCST Students Participate in Craft Championships

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:58:13 -0500

November 20, 2009 - The largest group ever to represent Mid-Coast School of Technology recently attended the 10th Annual Craft Championships. Twenty one students from the Residential Construction program participated in a number of events taking place at the Augusta Civic Center. Instructor Dan Dishner was proud of the attendance and engagement of the MCST students. "I thought all of the students did a good job of participating this year. They were all required to do at least one event. Several did at least three," said Dishner. Out of the 21 students, six were women, five who are currently in the program at MCST and one former student, Anaya Miller. When asked which students really stood out in their performance during the day, Dishner said, "If I were to choose any student(s) I'd probably go with Anaya Miller and Amanda Peterson. Last year Anaya was stumped on a rigging task. She headed right to it again this year taking Amanda with her. The task is to rig an apparatus and lift it with a chain hoist so that it remains level. Together, those two girls worked on that for almost an hour. The woman overseeing the rigging booth has been coming for years and was very impressed with their effort. Both girls had their name mentioned over the intercom for best effort of the day."

Each year Associated Builders and Contractors of Maine hosts Craft Championships at the Augusta Civic Center. Utilizing the Civic Center’s Main Auditorium, there is over 24,500 square feet of hands-on activities for high school students to engage. Maine’s Craft Championships is unique to any others in the nation because our industry trades people work directly with high school students on a wide range of construction projects. While some students are working inside, other students are working outside in welding trailers, line trucks, or driving a dump truck. This past year, over 1200 Maine high school students attended and participated in over thirty hands-on construction activities with ABC members throughout the day. The students were also able to visit with representatives from community colleges to learn about furthering their education in the construction industry.

Amanda Peterson builds a brick wall.

Left to right: Graham Deleo, Justin Koons, and Cierra Little prepare to get a birds eye view of all the action in the scissor lift.

Left to right: Mike Marble, Ike Morin and Jeff Bailey (in the back) building a rebar cage.

Brandon Fuller installing a garage door.