Does masonry class help students rebuild their lives? “Yes!” answers Pat Frederick, she advocates it’s her “favorite class”. MITA’s participation at high schools helps create a pathway for youth to apprenticeship. At Jane Frederick High School in Stockton, the Brick by Brick competition challenged masonry students to lay a brick wall 3 layers high within an hour.
Competitors were judged on accuracy of measurement, level, and plumb, following the line, proper striking of mortar joints, and cleaning up the wall. MITA Board of Directors member Dale Piwinski of Baselite, and MITA past-president Avery Pratt of Diablo Masonry came in from Dixon and Sacramento to participate and judge the competition, along with general contractor Darren Branch, he’s the former masonry instructor at YouthBuild San Joaquin. Students, judges, sponsors and guests enjoyed a BBQ feast on the student-built barbeque.
Recognition and thanks were given to Pat Frederick, daughter of school founder Jane Frederick. Awards were presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, and all competitors received the annual “Brick by Brick” event shirts designed by art class students at Jane Frederick, and MITA tape measure/levels and t-shirts.