Ken Kudela

February 8, 2010 -- Like artists admiring their handiwork, Ken Kudela takes pride in the many Lorain County buildings that have risen from his masonry craftsmanship.

"It's very satisfying, driving around the county and seeing all the buildings I've worked on, knowing that I had a hand in their completion," said Kudela, the Director of the Ohio Administrative District Council-the administrative arm of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers.

You might say that Kudela was following in his father's footsteps by enrolling in the JVS Masonry program...with a slight twist.

"My father was a union carpenter, so I already knew a lot about construction," affirmed Kudela, whose council oversees 7,000 union members in both Ohio and Kentucky.

"When I told my dad that I wanted to attend the Lorain County JVS, he challenged me to choose a trade that he couldn't teach me," Kudela continued. "Bricklaying intrigued me, and after visiting the school and talking with some of the teachers and students, I knew that masonry was for me."

Kudela credits his JVS instructors for their caring, no-nonsense, straight-forward approach to teaching. "They helped me build a strong foundation for my career and instilled the essential principals and groundwork necessary to succeed in the working world."

Pictured is Amanda Smith from Amherst next to her project on Jackie Kennedy.

January 22, 2010 -- Lorain County JVS students improved their research, communication and public speaking skills with a unique project.

"Students were charged with researching their own 'personal hero," said JVS Civic's Instructor Joe Csizmadia.

"The topic of their research could be a family member, friend, teacher, public figure, or anyone who they admired." The students presented their research with an oral report, research paper and display board.

"Surveys have showed that more people are afraid of speaking in public than they are of dying," commented Joe Csizmadia. "This exercise served the purpose of helping students improve their skills and overcome some of their fear."

Amanda Smith, a senior from Amherst in the Culinary Arts Program, identified Jacqueline Kennedy as her heroine.

"I found Jackie Kennedy's life very interesting and enjoyed my research," said Smith. "To make my oral presentation a little more effective, my grandmother helped me coordinate an outfit like Jackie Kennedy's, complete with gloves, pearls and an appropriate dress. So as an added bonus, I got to share this experience with my grandmother as well."