Colleagues,
Great news from a Chapter 74 group of skilled students. A team of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School students in the Metal Fabrication and Welding program recently completed a sculpture for a local company.
David
r Police,
Assabet Valley Metal Fabrication and Welding Students Complete Community Project
June 16, 2023 Camryn Langille Client News, School News
Superintendent Ernest F. Houle is pleased to share that a team of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School students in the Metal Fabrication and Welding (MF/W) program recently completed a sculpture for a local company.
Diane and Kenny Cyphers, owners of Empire Pest Control owners in Marlborough, initially reached out to MF/W Lead Teacher Chris Wittmier in October about collaborating with Assabet students to replace their old wooden bug sculpture that had rotted.
In November, Kenny Cyphers visited Assabet to talk about his ideas and requirements for the sculpture with students in the MF/W program. Students worked with Cyphers on the design throughout the fabrication process.
The team of students was comprised of seniors Connor Allen, Anthony Giombetti, Zachary Jalbert, William Jones, Roberto Leiva, Benjamin Lopes, Isaiah Munoz, Bianca Oliveira, Trent Pitard, Miklo Sandoval, John Sordillo, Cole Swackhammer, and sophomores Declan Allen and Edward Rose.
Work began during the week of April 3. Students created many sketches and paper models, and difficult layout problems were resolved with AutoCAD, a digital design software, and a computerized plasma cutting device. Students performed all of the work under Wittmier’s direction.
Students created a circular frame that displays the company’s main bug logo, as well as a post to hold up the sculpture.
“The students were exposed to so many new things during the fabrication of the circle and the bug. The layout and fabrication sequences were like nothing they’ve seen before, and I am really happy they got to experience it. I hope everyone who goes by the sculpture for the first time has a moment of wonder, realizes what it is, and moves on with a smile,” said Wittmier. “Our program has a long history of making cool things for the community and I hope we can continue this tradition for a long time to come.”
Students completed the project in late May. The finished sculpture was picked up by Empire Pest Control on Thursday, June 1, and will be placed on Route 20 to advertise the company’s services.
“The opportunity for Assabet students to work on these community projects contributes greatly to their real-world experience and demonstrates how their skills can be applied to a future career,” said Superintendent Houle. “Not only do they continue to develop their practical and professional skills, but they also build their confidence in their ability to do amazing work.”
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira