GLBBS Proudly Graduates its 9th Class

On June 3rd, fifteen students were honored once again by an impressive guest speaker, but this time several new traditions were introduced, and, for the first time, the event was streamed live over YouTube.

With the School’s shop filled with students’ families and friends, and Julie and John Dyle’s traditional dulcimer music softly playing in the background, another memorable occasion was created.  There could not have been a more appropriate speaker to address teh class regarding how their accomplished projects reflect the evolving of the ancient history of boat building into today’s world.  Scott Peters is Curator of Collections for the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing, and is the notable author of Making Waves, a book about Michigan’s boat building history from 1865 into this century and the influence it had in the development of boat building in America.

He did a superb job of referencing the students’ individual efforts throughout his speech, and in conclusion emphasized how their education is “the keel of their careers”.  First-year student Mark Pugh and second-year student Mark Bilhorn each received the new Shipmate of the Year award.  This was created to recognize the student from each class who demonstrates more than just aptitude and skill by continually going that extra mile to become a mentor to others in work ethic, participation in extracurricular activities, and taking part in the community.

A handsome plaque  in the shape of a boat transom was presented to honor those military veterans who have attended GLBBS over the years.  Names on the plaque include this year’s graduates and one instructor, who accepted the plaque: Thomas Cronan, Sam Hoffricher, Sean Libby, and James Biernesser along with instructor Andy James.

The third new tradition involved each 2016 graduate signing a paddle to be hung on the wall of the workshop.

As always, the hardworking staff and volunteers played key roles in making this a very special day to salute our students.