Masonry Magazine November 2005 Page. 14
Making the Grade Student
Note: If you have an apprentice mason to nominate, contact: J. David Holt, c/o Holt Marketing Group, Inc. 6120 Union Chapel Road, Suite 100 Kansas City, Mo. 64152 or fax to (816) 891-6666.
in the Spotlight
Instructor and Student are in It Together
A high school senior-to-be, 18-year-old Eric Munoz of Harlingen, Texas, is one of many masonry students who have had the great fortune to be mentored by instructor Victor Santillan.
"I don't know what it is, but I've always been blessed by great kids who come into our program," says Santillan. Of course, he might have something to do with it. Santillan has been a masonry instructor for 17 years and, in over half of those years, he has sponsored the Texas state high school champion at the National Masonry Contest.
This year, Munoz earned Texas first-place honors by beating a rival student who had placed third and second in the two previous years.
"It was Eric's first time at the state competition, but he acted like he'd been there before. Nothing seems to make Eric nervous when he is competing," says Santillian.
After competing for the first time in the National Masonry Contest, held in conjunction with the 41st annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Munoz joined other students in a summer project. Under Santillan's leadership, they completed the brick work on a new house, laying an estimated 17,000 brick.
"I hope this extra work will help me improve my skills," Munoz says. "I want to compete again in Kansas City, but I know that Mr. Santillan is always developing good masons."
Top: Eric Munoz works on a residential project over the summer.
Bottom: Eric Munez works alongside his instructor, Victor Santillan.
Are you?
One of the Herd
GOT
NMD80?
OR
SDPI
DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
EXCELLENCE
PRODUCTIVITY
PROFIT
NMD 80 IS THE
NEW MASONRY DETERGENT
PRODUCT FOR YOU!
One of a Kind
WWW.EACOCHEM.COM 1-800-313-8505
Eace Chem
12 Masonry
November 2005
CIRCLE 151 ON READER SERVICE CARD
www.masoncontractors.org