Congratulations to Ellen Friel, a PBHS visual arts teacher who graduated from Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) in Virginia, completing an accelerated training course in welding.
The training encompassed 600 hours in just 16 weeks. Ms. Friel, who is currently obtaining a dual certification in technology education, received 12 certifications in welding and finished third in her class of 78 welding students. She will utilize her training and certification here as the district starts the planning process to add a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) welding program in Pine Bush High School.
The program would be the fourth CTE program here at the high school, which already has advanced manufacturing, woodworking and business. These are all pathways to graduation available to our students.
“We are so grateful and proud of Ellen for doing this,” said PBHS Principal Aaron Hopmayer, who made the trip to Virginia with Superintendent Joe Lenz in order to attend Ms. Friel’s graduation last month. “She took time away from her own life and spent the last four months in Virginia getting her certification to teach our students a new and valuable skill. That’s dedication.”
“This new program fits perfectly with our Haas programs, our woodworking program and our newly-launched business CTE program, giving students another pathway to graduation,” said Superintendent Lenz. “There is a huge interest in welding; we see that by the number of students we have interested in the BOCES program.”
Ms. Friel originally, teaching studio art, media art and animation. She currently teaches drawing and design for production at Haas.
This opportunity for her to become certified in welding came about because of a program some of our Haas Center students were involved in – NASA HUNCH.
Last year, our students were chosen to be part of the NASA High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program, where they worked to design a part for the International Space Station. When NASA came to Pine Bush High School in February to recognize the students for their work, Jack Nugent from BuildSubmarines.com also attended and was impressed with the Haas Innovation Center.
“He saw we had no welding program,” Ms. Friel said. “So he mentioned what a good fit it would be with our programs.”
She admits she likes to learn new things. “I volunteered for the training.”
Ms. Friel said there is a need for welders, locally and with the Department of Defense. This program will be beneficial for our students since there is such a high interest in the field. “It’s a win-win for our kids, our community, everyone!” she said.
“This is a great opportunity for our students, to have yet another pathway to graduation,” said Mr. Hopmayer. “That’s what it’s about. When we see a need for our students, we step up. Ellen is an amazing teacher and I know this will give our students another opportunity to be career ready.”