Colleagues,
We are pleased to share this exciting collaboration between a vocational technical school’s Chapter 74 welding program and a district town’s high school varsity baseball team!
Students from Shawsheen Valley Technical School’s Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies program crafted a new portable press box for Bedford High School’s Baseball Team! We thank Allison Cammarata for sharing this story and photos with us.
Well done students!!!
Shawsheen Tech Students Construct Innovative Portable Press Box for Bedford High School Baseball
A progress photo from March 22nd shows sophomore Brayden Johnson welding the press box in the Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies shop at Shawsheen Tech.
Bedford, MA – On Saturday, May 11, Bedford High School’s varsity baseball team unveiled its new portable press box, crafted by students from Shawsheen Valley Technical School’s welding program. The press box made its debut during the team’s Military Appreciation Game against Concord. Designed to accommodate announcers, the official scorer, and sound equipment, this innovative structure resulted from a collaborative project between Shawsheen Tech and Bedford High School Athletics.
The concept for the press box originated from Bedford’s varsity coach Geoff Chase and assistant coach Paul McGrath, who identified the need for a flexible game-day solution. Chase, in his first year coaching the varsity team after previously coaching at John Glenn Middle School, aimed to enhance the game experience with this addition.
"I wanted to make some improvements and add a little more fun and entertainment," explained Chase. "We want to have longtime Bedford Football announcer Mike Rosenberg announce the baseball games and needed a press box area for him; we immediately thought Shawsheen could help us with this project."
Coach Chase collaborated with Alex Guarino, Lead Welding Instructor at Shawsheen Tech, to design and build the rolling portable press box.
"Students began working on the project in early February," shared Mr. Guarino. "Those who completed their curriculum projects ahead of schedule were able to contribute to the press box. The final product was ready for transport on May 1."
Varsity Baseball Coach Geoff Chase and Assistant Coach Paul McGrath work with Shawsheen’s Lead Welding Instructor Alex Guarino to load and secure the completed press box, destined for transport to their home field on Wednesday, May 1st.
Mr. Guarino mentioned three primary contributors to the project: senior Joe DeRosa from Burlington, junior Tyler LaMarca from Billerica, and sophomore Brayden Johnson from Billerica.
“The press box was constructed entirely from aluminum to minimize weight,” said Guarino. “It features a foundation built on 4” x 4” tubing with 50 psi pneumatic casters. The standing platform includes a bracing system with slip-resistant 1/8” diamond plate. The sides and railings were made from 2” x 2” aluminum tube and 1” x 1” tube for pickets, while the front and roof panels were crafted from .030 aluminum sheet metal.”
"This project provided students with valuable practice using our new horizontal bandsaw, with all pieces initially cut on this machine," explained Guarino. "The pieces were then welded using AC GTAW (Alternating Current Gas Tungsten Arc Welding)."
Bedford’s Varsity Baseball Team unveiled their new portable press box, crafted by Shawsheen Tech students, during their home game on Saturday, May 11th.
Once structurally sound, Shawsheen’s graphic communications program added the final touch by printing Bedford’s logo onto a weatherproof wrap decal, giving the press box a professional and resilient finish.
This collaboration between Bedford High School and Shawsheen Valley Technical High School offered Shawsheen students a real application for their Chapter 74 curriculum, highlighting Shawsheen’s dedication to preparing students for the competitive world.
"Alex and Shawsheen’s Welding Department were fantastic, and the final product came out great," said Coach Chase. "We hope to continue our relationship with Shawsheen as we have many other projects we hope to bring to fruition."
About Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District
Established in 1965, Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District (SVRVTSD) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, placing students at the center of its mission. Proudly serving the communities of Billerica, Bedford, Burlington, Tewksbury, and Wilmington, Shawsheen caters to the diverse needs of over 1,300 students in grades 9-12. Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education, Shawsheen seamlessly integrates academics with a dynamic range of over 20 vocational-technical career pathways. Located in Billerica, Massachusetts, Shawsheen’s expansive 100-acre campus hosts an exceptional school building adorned with high-end and industry relevant equipment, athletic fields, twenty-four varsity sports, and a plethora of extra-curricular clubs and activities.
With a passionate faculty and staff, Shawsheen remains committed to its mission: "to provide a positive learning experience in a safe educational environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential, emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic, and prepares them for adult life in a competitive world."
Beyond its traditional academic offerings, Shawsheen Valley Technical School extends its educational reach through Adult Education, Afterschool Enrichment Programs, Community-focused Events, and Summer Programs. The district continually strives to expand its rich and diverse programming, embracing the belief that education is a lifelong, continuous process with numerous paths leading to a successful and fulfilling life.
Contact: Allison Cammarata, 508-317-8087
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira
