***NEWS RELEASE***
Centreville, MD – Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) is proud to announce that two students from Queen Anne’s County High School’s (QACHS) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Masonry program, Gerson Ramirez and Ricardo Gonzalez, have been awarded the coveted Mason Apprentice Scholarship from Mortar Net Solutions. This national recognition places Ramirez and Gonzalez among an elite group, as only 40 students nationwide were selected for this prestigious award.
Under the guidance of masonry instructor Michael Blackiston, Ramirez and Gonzalez have shown exceptional skill, dedication, and promise within the masonry field. The Mason Apprentice Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in masonry and construction, providing resources that will aid them in achieving their career goals.
Michael Blackiston, their instructor, praised the students’ hard work and talent. “Ricardo Gonzalez and Gerson Ramirez are well deserving of the 2024 Mason Apprentice Scholarship,” Blackiston said. “Their diligence and abilities in the Masonry program will translate to an exciting and prosperous career in the Masonry trade.”
Ricardo Gonzalez expressed gratitude for the recognition. “I was grateful to receive this scholarship,” Gonzalez said. “The tools will definitely help me advance in my Masonry career.”
For Gerson Ramirez, the award came as a pleasant surprise. “The scholarship was a big surprise,” Ramirez shared. “I will use these tools to build many projects.”
Adam Tolley, Supervisor of CTE for QACPS, expressed pride in the achievements of both students and highlighted the importance of the CTE program in cultivating practical, in-demand skills. “Gerson and Ricardo exemplify the commitment and talent that our CTE programs foster,” Tolley remarked. “Their hard work, combined with the exceptional instruction from Mr. Blackiston, has earned them this impressive national recognition. We are excited to see them continue to excel in their masonry careers and set an example for future students.”
The CTE Masonry program at QACHS provides students with hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in masonry and construction techniques. This scholarship will provide critical support to Ramirez and Gonzalez as they pursue further education and career opportunities in the field.
QACPS extends its congratulations to Gerson Ramirez and Ricardo Gonzalez and its gratitude to Mortar Net Solutions for supporting the next generation of masonry professionals.
For further information, please contact:
Adam Tolley
Supervisor of Career and Technical Education
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 410-758-2403
Download a PDF copy of the news release here.