SHS welding instructor honored
By ADAM STEWART Staff Reporter
Darryl Main was recognized last month for his expertise in teaching welding to students at Stanwood High School. He was nominated for the award by Lena Rink (pictured), a former student.
As a welder, Darryl Main knows how to create bonds.
As a teacher, he creates the most important ones with his students.
The appreciation is reciprocal.
Former students in the career and technical education (CTE) program at Stanwood High School (SHS) nominated the agriculture mechanics teacher and FFA advisor for a nationally recognized welding educator award, the highest achievement in the field.
Main received the 2009 Howard E. Adkins Memorial Instructor Membership Award at the American Welding Society’s (AWS) annual FabTech International and AWS Welding Show last month in Chicago, Ill.
This tribute is given to instructors whose teaching activities are considered to have advanced the knowledge of welding to students in their respective schools.
He became eligible for the award by receiving previous sectional and district honors in the same category.
Kevin Plambeck, CTE director, said Main is a superior role model.
“He is an accomplished welding instructor and a well-respected agriculture mechanics instructor,” said Plambeck. “And, the kids love him.”
With more than 21 years of experience as an instructor at SHS, Main has developed a welding program to prepare students for the job market by basing curriculum and proficiency requirements on industry standards.
Several of Main’s current students are jumpstarting their careers by earning up to 30 welding college credits from Everett Community College.
Lena Rink, a 2007 Stanwood High School graduate and former participant in the CTE program, nominated Main for the recognition.
“Mr. Main has done so much for the community,” said Rink. “He’s always willing to come in before or after school and on weekends to help students succeed. Everything he does, he does for the students.”
Fellow graduate Jacob Zielie assisted Rink in honoring Main.
Main’s commitment stems from a desire to help students reach their potential.
“My goal, and the goal of Stanwood High School, is to give students the best opportunity to achieve skills and knowledge to prepare them for life after high school no matter what endeavor they wish to pursue,” said Main. “To be recognized by the AWS for making sure my students are successful in the future is just an honor.”
Staff Reporter Adam
Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115
