Making the Grade
Words: Dan KamysErrol McDonald began my class by working hard, and he never let up," vo-tech instructor Porter Soley says. "From the very beginning, Errol's been a special student, and it's been my great honor to teach him."
These words are an even more distinct honor, considering that Soley's students have competed in the national masonry contest each of the past six years.
McDonald, our Masonry Apprentice of the Month, graduated with a 4.0 GPA from Pearl River Community College in Hattiesburg, Miss. His academic honors include the Dean's List, the President's List, the Citizenship Award, the Outstanding Student Award and election to Who's Who among American Students. He was also involved in his local chapter of VICA.
In fact, McDonald represented the State of Mississippi in the national masonry contest held this past summer in Kansas City, Mo., in conjunction with the SkillsUSA ? VICA National Leadership and Skills Conference. He competed in the post-secondary division.
In addition to his efforts at school, McDonald worked as a barber and hair stylist, while also completing his masonry apprenticeship with Porter Solex.
He is currently employed by Branchy Masonry, Inc., in Bogalusa, La.