Masonry class installs pavers at Sudlersville Middle

Words: Hannah AnthonyThe advanced masonry class from Queen Anne’s County High School under the instruction of Michael Blackiston recently installed pavers in the courtyard of the new Sudlersville Middle School.

Sudlersville Middle parent volunteer Cinda Anthony spearheaded the project to turn the courtyard area into an outdoor classroom and recreation area.

“The courtyard was never completed when the school was built,” Anthony said. “I contacted Mr. Blackiston to help with installing pavers in an area that never receives sun and therefore would not support plant life.”

Anthony commended Blackiston and his students for their work.

“He has built that program and has an immense amount of respect from his students, peers and the community,” she said.

Anthony also garnered support through Dave Tucker at Chestertown Brick Company. Tucker was able to have Techno-Bloc Landscaping Products donate the pavers for this project, which were installed by the QACHS masonry students.

“The checkerboard pavers will serve as a checker and chess playing area,” Anthony said.

She continued, “We have planted trees, shrubbery and native plants as well. Through the generous donations of local businesses and the help of many volunteers we have been able to bring this area to life.”

Anthony said she hopes to acquire donations to add lighting, potted plants, a table and chairs and park benches. For more information or to help with the project, contact Sudlersville Middle School PTA.
The Science of a Straight Line: Why Masonry’s Smallest Decisions Make the Biggest Differences
September 2026

There is a unique phenomenon in construction: the human eye can spot an out-of-plumb wall from 50 yards away across a crowded job site. We might not always be able to explain the exact mathematical deviation without a laser level, but our brains instantly

The Utah Masonry Council's Masonry Education Day
September 2026

The 2026 Masonry Education Day at Interstate Brick in West Jordan is bringing together members of Utah’s architecture, engineering, and construction community for a day focused on education, technical understanding, and workforce development. The event r

MCAA Upstate New York: Regaining Market Share Through Education
September 2026

The Upstate New York chapter of the MCAA was established in 2014 by a dedicated group of both union and non-union masonry contractors, producers, and suppliers who shared concerns about the declining use of masonry. T

GEN NXT: Luis Sontay
September 2026

For this month, the MCAA got to sit down with aspiring mason Luis Sontay. From taking an interest in masonry as a kid to placing 1st in a postsecondary competition, Luis’ dedication and passion for the trade is clear. Luis describes his early passion fo