2013 IEC Texas Gulf Coast Graduation Ceremonies

Houston. An audience of more than 900 family, friends, and co‐workers welcomed the 79 graduates as they entered the auditorium. Larry Burns, chapter 1st vice president and chairman of the A&T committee, began the ceremonies congratulating. The invocation was led by instructor Dave Stump, while Dean Kredit, IEC National president, was the guest speaker.

A Special Recognition Award was presented to Madeline Borthick, past training director, in recognition of her exemplary leadership, selfless acts of time and dedication, attention to detail, and outstanding work ethics. The Outstanding Scholar Award, given to the apprentice who maintained the highest grade average among his graduating class for all four years, was renamed the Madeline Borthick Award for Scholastic Excellence, in her honor.

Instructors Joe Duron and Ryan Coperude shared the responsibilities of presenting graduates. Ben Mata was awarded the Madeline Borthick Award for Scholastic Excellence. Thirty‐three graduates were recognized for having completed the entire 4‐year program with perfect attendance. Five graduates were recognized for having achieved the honor roll for all four years.

Ben Mata with Wood Electrical Services was awarded Outstanding Apprentice of the Year and will represent the chapter at the National Convention this September in Portland, Ore. Jose Garcia with Gonzales Commercial Electric placed second, Brian Jernigan with Critical Electrical Systems Group came in third, and Ulysses Arroyo with Seco Industrial Maintenance & Controls was fourth.

Preston Dengler with Central Electric, Andrew Sebesta with Walker Engineering, and Patrick Dever with Facilities Electric were recognized as Outstanding 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students, respectively, for maintaining the highest grade average out of their class.

During the presentation, each graduate received a Certificate of Completion from Houston Community College, IEC Texas Gulf Coast, and IEC National. Each also received a $50 gift certificate donated by Crawford Electric Supply Co. Ben Mata will receive a Milwaukee M18 Fuel ½-in. hammer drill/driver kit and a Greenlee Master Electrician’s tool kit. Individual perfect attendance award winners each received a Greenlee laser level, and honor roll winners received an Ideal tool bag.