High Point students take 2nd, 3rd at Concrete Challenge

WANTAGE — Six students from High Point’s Construction and Manufacturing class captured 2nd and 3rd place respectively at the NJIT 2019 Annual Decorative Concrete Competition hosted by the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) on Feb. 25.
The challenge asked students to design and build a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project using one bag or less of any concrete mix.
The second place team of Charles Hautau, Joseph Burke, and Harold Leslie designed a live-edge cherry and concrete river table.
The third place team of Andrew Mazzawy, Brandon Dwornikoshi, and Cody Farischon designed a cedar log and concrete bench.
High Point’s Materials Processing teacher, Alexander Gonzalez, was instrumental in bringing this opportunity to his students. Gonzalez has worked closely with the Manufacture New Jersey initiative and has attended a number of networking sessions over the past several years, where stakeholders in the state have highlighted the desperate need statewide for skilled labor.
According to Mr. Gonzalez,
“Students were so engaged and driven to design and complete projects," Gonzalez said. "I strive to find new topics and experiences for students to have in school. Through this process students have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help them in their future endeavors after high school."
“We pride ourselves on providing our students with the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of challenges outside of our building," High Point STEM Supervisor Brian Drelick said. "Participating in this event, hosted by a great partner in NJIT, demonstrates the commitment our teachers have to exposing our students to these unique design, construction, and manufacturing experiences. The students did a phenomenal job and have a great role model in Mr. Gonzalez.”
Throughout the process, the students solicited the help of local business owner and High Point graduate, Tito Marrero of RiverCast Concrete in Branchville. Gonzalez adds, “Mr. Marrero came to High Point to give students some basic knowledge in working with concrete to be successful and creative in their own ways," Gonzalez said. "Students have gained knowledge and connections from Mr. Marrero that was instrumental in their success. His knowledge and wisdom was impactful to hear coming from a graduate of High Point.”
Roughly seven schools and twenty students participated at NJIT. Winning teams earned cash prizes of $500 for second and $250 for third, with the help of the sponsors Silvi, CIM, and Sika. Through the competition students were able to network and see the opportunities that the concrete industry has to offer.