Several key contributors to the Industrial Arts Shop gather to celebrate its completion. (L-R) Superintendent Beth Schwarz, School Board Chair Jeanne Anderson, School Board Member Sissy Lunde, Industrial Arts Instructor Peter Johnson, Leonard Sobanja, (seated), School Maintenance Supervisor Tom Nelson, Ruth Drake of Boldt, and School Board Member Chris Goettl.
A small group gathered on Friday, November 20 at Cook County High School to receive a tour of the new and improved Industrial Arts Shop. Including 3-D printers, welding booths, a laser cutter, and a wide array of other tools, the shop has come a long way.
In addition to providing the tools, the high-ceilinged, spacious room is the ideal environment for introducing students to the new equipment. At the center, with four windows facing out in every direction, there is an office that will allow a single individual to monitor all four sections of the shop.
After the tour of the new space, Superintendent Beth Schwarz took a moment to recognize the efforts of a few people who were key to bringing about the expansion. Among them was Leonard Sobanja, who had been working toward the improvement of the shop for some time. He stood and took a moment to thank Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB), Ruth Drake from Boldt Construction, and many others who contributed to the project. A climax to years of effort, Sobanja was clearly pleased with the results.
Peter Johnson, industrial arts teacher at the high school, also spoke for a moment, identifying a few of the new gadgets at the shop. He also noted how valuable the experience would be for the students as well as the variety of possibilities that the expanded shop opened up for the school.
“Kids like to see ideas come into concept,” Johnson said as he pointed out a collection of wax figures that were the result of some experimentation with the 3-D printers. Students are able to take drawings and ideas and get a visual, concrete version.
In addition to expanding students’ education, the shop also has the potential to support the industrial arts program monetarily. During the tour, Schwarz pointed out a few initial student projects that could be made using the new tools. A wooden, heart-shaped carving and a welded, metal rose were a couple of examples.
“There are a lot of things you can do to put money back into the program too,” Johnson said. He suggested, as an example, that a person could make mugs and potentially sell them.
The shop also facilitates further education through a partnership with Lake Superior College (LSC). With the new space and equipment, the high school along with LSC will be able to provide classes that offer college credits.
The expansion has opened up many opportunities for Cook County and especially for students here. It’s a great start, though Johnson already has his eye directed toward further improvements. The shop could always benefit from new equipment. Technology is always expanding.
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