Block Kids Event January 2009
On January 31, the Lansing chapter in partnership with the Capital Area Construction Council hosted over 70 children and their parents at the West Campus of Lansing Community College. The competition began promptly at 10:00 am with children constructing everything from recycling facilities to construction material moving apperatices. While the children worked on their projects, their parents were given a presentation on construction careers. Melanie Myers, Lansing Chapter President, gave an overview of NAWIC, Brindley Byrd, Executive Director of the Capital Area Construction Council, gave a report on the industry and available jobs and Ralph Hansen, Associate Superintendent of CTE at the Eaton County ISD, gave a presentation on the construction programs offered through the local Career and Technical Education Centers. Lastly, a panel of industry professionals consisting of Tom Reder (architect for Ledy), Megan Jacobs (PE for SME), and Heidi Hitz (Project Manager for Clark Construction) shared there career experiences with the parents. Directly after the competition and parent’s presentation, attendees were treated to refreshments and hands-on construction activities and games provided by the Lansing Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee, the Ironworkers Local 25 Training Center and the Oakland Community College Construction Management Program.
Winners
1st Place - Michael McMann– 1st grade Sheridan Road School
2nd Place – Justin Smith-6th grade DeWitt Herbison woods
3rd Place – Josh Luttig-4th grade Waldron Elementary
Best of Class
1st-2nd Grades – William Loomis- Stepping Stones Montessouri School
3rd-4th Grades – Joe Wright– Elmwood Elementary
5th-6th Grades – Bridgette Gonzales
Congratulations Winners!!!! We look forward to seeing you again next year!
For coverage of the event by the Lansing State Journal please follow the links below.
News Coverage of the recent event held at Lansing Comminuty College on January 31, 2009. http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009902010616
Pictures on Lansing State Journal’s website (there are a total of ten)http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=A3&Dato=20090131&Kategori=NEWS&Lopenr=901310802&Ref=PH
Tyler Barnes, 6, of Lansing, concentrates on his project during Block Kids on Saturday.
Noah Guerrero, 7, from Sheridan Rd. School in Lansing, lays the foundation of his Block Kids project Saturday.
Seven year-old Max Smith, works on his Block Kids project Saturday.
Block Kids judges, Greg Clugston (L) and Jerry Johnson, interview Michael Hurlburt, 9, from Williamston about his bridge project.
Avery Maurer, 11, from Grand Ledge, works on his suspension bridge during the Block Kids competion Saturday.
Jon Hurlburt, 9, from Williamston, explains his project to Kathi Rypkema, a judge from the Lansing School District.
He has a few more years to go, but Jordan Henry, 2, from Holt, peeks on how his big brother Jacob is doing in the Block Kids competition Saturday at LCC’s west campus.
Six year-old William Loomis, puts the finishing touches on his Block Kids project, a greenhouse, Saturday at LCC’s west campus.
What is Block Kids?
The Block-Kids Building Program is a national building program competition that introduces children to the construction industry. The competion involves the construction of various structures with interlocking blocks and three of the following additional items: A small rock, string, foil and posterboard.
This event is presented by: NEF (NAWIC Educational Foundation), NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) and Capital Area Construction Council