(Batesville, IN) – The wraps were taken off Batesville High School’s new Innovation Center at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house Thursday evening.
Mark Struewing is the Workplace Specialist who will instruct the next generation of welders at the center.
“I’ve been welding for over 35 years and this is the most state-of-the-art facility I’ve worked in, so far,” Streuwing said. “Kids are going to be a little bummed when they get a job and it’s not exactly like this, but it’s a great spot to learn and a great spot to teach they are so lucky to have this here in Batesville.”
The Innovation Center was made possible in part by a donation from Wood Mizer and a through a $400,000 READI grant via the City of Batesville. A ceremonial READI check was incorporated into the ceremony (pictured).
The public/private partnership that brought the new wing to life is not lost on Struewing.
“That just shows the commitment by the companies around here. They want employees who can join them and start working and be quality,” he said. “That’s what I want to give them (the students). After their time with me, hopefully, they get a job somewhere and they can go right in, get quality work done and then they’ll get paid quality wages that way.”
The 9,280-square-foot addition came in at a $3,243,450 with no increase in tax dollars.
Before the ribbon cutting, Mayor John Irrgang, Darryl Floyd from Wood Mizer and Batesville Schools Superintendent Paul Ketcham delivered remarks.
Tours of the addition were conducted by welding students following the ribbon cutting.
