SkillsUSA honors chair of Masonry Technical Committee

Words: Jason Aderholt/Public/News/20120724120000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="Bryan Light was honored by SkillsUSA as a winner of the Torch Carrier Award." />
Bryan Light was honored by SkillsUSA as a winner of the Torch Carrier Award.
For 13 years, Bryan Light has recruited, organized and led efforts of the National Masonry Technical Committee, volunteering thousands of hours to the task. His efforts in support of masonry education were recognized and honored recently by SkillsUSA as a winner of the Torch Carrier Award.

Tim Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA, said of Light, “ He is a master in his trade; and for many years now, he has been a valued champion for SkillsUSA.”

Considered the highest honor given individually by the SkillsUSA Youth Development Foundation, the award is presented annually in recognition of just two top business and labor leaders who “invest exemplary personal effort in promoting SkillsUSA’s mission and students to prospective partners.” The award’s name refers to the organization’s shield which depicts a flaming torch representing knowledge.

“I am very honored by this recognition,” Light says. “When I consider the thousands of industry representatives who work so hard to promote the training of our future work force, I realize how many people deserve the award. This is quite an honor that I share with all those who have contributed to the Masonry Technical Committee.”
Light became a master mason in 1970 and has been a champion for career and technical education throughout his career. He joined the Brick Industry Association in 1999 where he serves as the technical services manager, a position which covers nine southeastern states.

The National Masonry Technical Committee organizes and runs the annual National Masonry Contest for both high school and college/post secondary students at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. The event is booked in Kansas City through 2014.
Contractor Tip of the Month: Get Used to the Pain
April 2026

Pain isn’t just negative; it’s a natural part of growing and improving. Instead of seeing pain as a reason to quit, recognize it as a sign you’re making progress. What sets successful people apart is their ability to stay calm and keep going when things g

Damian Lang
Contractor Tip of the Month
Read More
Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees
April 2026

I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues,

Steven Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More
Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Conner Birdsong
Outreach Outlook
Read More
Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
Read More