Persistence and Continued Technical Education

Words: Dan Kamys
/Public/News/20100119094700-1.jpg" width="200" height="300" border="0" alt="Gary Kline is strong and driven, which will make him a successful mason throughout his life.">
Gary Kline is strong and driven, which will make him a successful mason throughout his life.
A three-year student in the masonry program at Harford Tech High School in Bel Air, Md., Gary Kline has applied for admission to The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades, Media, Pa. If accepted, he would start classes in the fall of 2010. In the meantime, Kline has enrolled in business classes at Harford Community College. He intends to work masonry jobs as he can, while maintaining his studies there.

Kline’s instructor at Harford Technical High School, Gary Siler, speaks highly of Kline. “Gary came to Harford Tech as a tenth-grader and was a wonderful student for all three years,” Siler says. “Ours is a four-year school, so he had to adapt and catch up quickly. He did just that. He was an honor roll student with a perfect attendance record. In addition, he played varsity volleyball and wrestled.

“I thoroughly enjoyed coaching him in wrestling and teaching him, as well,” Siler continues. “He exhibited the same effort and commitment whenever he competed, whether it was on the mat or with a trowel in his hand.

“Gary Kline is a strong, driven young man,” he says. “I believe his future looks bright. I totally enjoyed teaching Gary, and I already miss his leadership skills in the classroom.”
Kline worked for Siler during the last three summers, helping with masonry, carpentry and plumbing projects.

Siler is a masonry instructor of 21 years, having sponsored seven contestants in the SkillsUSA national masonry contest. Kline was one of them, placing eighth in the secondary division of the 2009 contest held at H. Roe Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Mo.

As one might guess, Kline credits his instructor. “Gary Siler has influenced me greatly, and taught me everything I know,” he says. “He gave me the confidence I have and helped me through many ups and downs.”
Contractor Tip of the Month: Principles That Define Leadership
October 2025

The Standard Beyond Profit and Growth A successful leader can drive profit margins and growth that look strong on paper, but numbers alone do not define leadership. The true measure lies in the principles you refuse to compromise when the pressure is gre

Chairman's Message: TALENTED NEXT GENERATION SPARKS ENERGY AND GROWTH
October 2025

A common need in any venture is the importance of staying open to new strategies, ideas, or risks, as there is a tendency to get too comfortable with the status quo. We witness how an industry or entity is most successful if it makes efforts to keep ope

Vibing Masonry #9 - The History of Milwaukee's Third Ward: A Haven for Ornate Brick Masonry
October 2025

Living near Chicago, one of my family’s favorite day trips is to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a one-hour drive north. Among our other activities, including visiting the Calatrava-designed Milwaukee Art Museum, kayaking the river, and enjoying traditional German

2026 World of Concrete Registration Is Now Open
October 2025

Registration for the 2026 World of Concrete Convention is now Open! Don't miss your opportunity to attend the industry biggest event of the year. Multiple classes, competitions, and exhibits will be taking place. All in an effort to push the industry for