Fond du Lac High School's ACE Academy, a program specializing in architecture, construction and engineering, celebrated its growth and partnerships on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Since its inception in the 2016-17 school year, the academy has expanded from 35 to 235 students. The ACE Academy offers hands-on training in 16 skilled trade areas, supported by Moraine Park Technical College, trade unions, local employers, and the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin, preparing students for careers in industries with skilled worker shortages.
During the 2023-24 school year, students benefited from over 750 hours of training donated by contractors, gaining valuable real-world skills from practicing experts. This success is made possible given the involvement of 58 industry partners who support the students and the broader Fond du Lac community.
The following students were recognized as Youth Apprentices during the ACE class celebration:
Eli Schneider (Class of 2025), Two-Year Architecture and Construction HVAC; sponsored by Air Tech
Spencer Schumde (2024), One-Year Architecture and Construction HVAC; sponsored by Air Tech
Derrek Gracyalny (2024), One-Year Architecture and Construction HVAC; sponsored by Air Tech
Kamdyn Ernst (2024), One-Year Utilities Field Technician; sponsored by Alliant Energy
Emma Jacob (2024), One-Year Utilities Field Technician; sponsored by Alliant Energy
Alex Brunet (2025), Two-Year Plumbing/Sprinkler Fitting; sponsored by Ahern Gross Plumbing
McKenna Thome (2025), Two-Year Architecture and Construction Carpentry Fundamentals (she has started with Commonwealth Construction); sponsored by C.D. Smith Construction
Hailey Boelk (2024), Two-Year STEM Drafting; sponsored by Excel Engineering
Cameron Welsch (2024), One-Year Manufacturing Production; sponsored by Fond du Lac Stone
Mason Forster (2024), One-Year Carpentry Fundamentals; sponsored by Four Star Construction
Eli Braatz (2025), New Hire in Architecture and Construction Drafting; sponsored by JF Ahern
Josh Wright (2024), One-Year Heavy Equipment Operator; sponsored by JGX Excavating
Emilio Lopez (2025), New Hire in Business Administration; was sponsored by Lopez Roofing
Keegan Holzman (2024), One-Year Architecture and Construction Electrician member; was sponsored by Shea Electric
Gavin Hood (2024), One-Year Painting and is a mid-year graduate, was sponsored by Spies
Logan Nordheim (2025), One-Year Landscaping; was sponsored by Stuart’s Landscaping
Timmy Harry (2025), New Hire One-Year Architecture and Construction Electrician; was sponsored by Van Ert Electrical
Also at the celebration, Bob Roehrig, a key figure since the planning of ACE Academy began in 2013, was honored as he retired from the program.
Congratulations to the ACE students who have secured employment after graduation: Kamdyn Ernst and Emma Jacob with Alliant Energy, and Derrek Gracyalny and Spencer Schmude with Air Tech.
Several students received trades scholarships and grants at the celebration:
The Dave Cook "Shooting for Scholarship" Fund scholarship was awarded to Ryan Lenz, who is studying Architectural Technologies at MPTC.
The David Cook Building Trades Education Fund was presented to Maxwell Mengel and Matt Rusch, both pursuing Business/Construction Management degrees at Winona State and the University of Cincinnati, respectively. Additionally, Derrek Gracyalny and Colten Zasada received scholarships from the fund for their apprenticeships in HVAC and electrical work.
The Joan Vande Castle Scholarship, through the Eastern Ridge Home Builders Association, will support Verniyah Gammons, Kamdyn Ernst and Cameron Welsch in their studies in Design, Utility Technician and Electrician programs at UW-Stout and MPTC.
C.D. Smith Construction's Skilled Trades Grant scholarship was awarded to Mason Forster for carpentry.
We are excited for the future of the students who go through the ACE Academy and look forward to seeing what ACE graduates will accomplish ahead.