standard tools throughout the process .
Greyson Jones , a Mansfield High School senior , said the most challenging aspect of creating this year ’ s ornament was cutting out all the required pieces . He and other students initially designed the ornament using a computer program before cutting out the pieces on sheet metal .
Jones says he enjoyed creating the ornament because it helped him prepare for his future .
“ It ’ s a fun challenge because I get to enhance my skills , and it ’ s something I ’ d like to do as a career later on ,” Jones said .
Teacher Alex Higgs estimates students completed their most recent ornament in 20 hours .
Junior Eduardo Martinez also helped create this year ’ s ornament . He says the most challenging part of the project was putting the pieces together because you won ’ t know until the end if the angles you cut are correct .
Student projects don ’ t end with the holidays . This year , students will work on a catering trailer for the Ben Barber Innovation Academy ’ s barbeque team thanks to a $ 10,000 grant from the Mansfield ISD Education Foundation . The trailer will include a full kitchen and smoker .
Teacher Alex Higgs reviews senior Grayson Jones ’ work during Greyson ’ s welding certification test .
Projects like this are preparing students for welding careers by helping them practice the skills they need to earn a certification . They can even take the certification test at the Ben Barber Innovation Academy . Higgs , a certified welding inspector , says that more than 13 students have earned the certification . This is the second year the program has offered it .
“ There ’ s money to be made if you ’ re good at it , and I found I ’ m pretty good at it ,” Jones said . The senior says he sees himself becoming a welder after graduation .
“ It ’ s a fun challenge because I get to enhance my skills .”
GREYSON JONES Student discussing creating a large ornament through welding
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