By Kennedy Werner

Last weekend, May 11, fifteen projects sent from WLC students qualified and earned honorable titles at the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society (MITES) annual state competition for students enrolled in 3D Mechanical CAD or Architecture class. With the help of their teacher, Kenneth Melcher, the select few placed within Top 4 in during regionals, May 2 at Farmington High School, to even be eligible for states.

“Many have spent MONTHS working on their projects,” said Melcher in an email. “Central has [been in] three out of the past four years at the state competition.”

The 3D Mechanical CAD and Architecture classes from WLC alone sent 31 projects to regionals and 15 of them made it to states. Sophomore Mike Mazzola, sent projects for five different mechanical categories, two in which came in first place at states. Junior Glaine Stewart placed fourth at states for a project; sophomore Alex Gohrmann placed seventh; senior Adam Radke earned a fourth and seventh place project; senior Alyssa Spencer won third place on one of her two projects and honorable mention; sophomore Jacob Wisniewski and junior Luke Collins earned fourth place for a group project; junior Cody Rich placed second for a project; and senior Danny Heyn won an honorable mention.

MITES is a non-profit organization with firm beliefs in hands-on, realistic learning. They encourage teachers and students to educate in the Industrial and Technical Career education. Students that make it to states are awarded for best in their division and Top 10 in each category.