Masonry Magazine January 2011 Page. 16
MAKING THE GRADE
Accomplishing a Goal
BRADLEY WRIGHT is the unprecedented, three-time winner of this year's national masonry contest held in Kansas City, Mo, in conjunction with the 46th annual SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference. Wright earned a gold medal, with his third-consecutive first-place finish, and fourth consecutive medal in four consecutive national contests.
Wright is not shy about proclaiming his goal of the past four years. "I want my high school teacher's job," he says. "That's what I'd really like to do."
After three years in the masonry program at the Earnest Pruett Center of Technology in Hollywood, Ala., Wright completed two additional years in the technical masonry training program at Wallace State Community College.
Asked if his instructor at the Earnest Pruett Center of Technology, Charles A. West, knows about his plans, Wright replies, "Oh, yes. We've talked about that. Others have talked to him about the same thing, but I'm trying to follow through with the training and experience.
"When Mr. West is ready to retire, I'll be ready to apply for his position," he adds.
As a 29-year instructor, West has impressive credentials. Since 2002, he has sponsored eight participants in the National Masonry Contest. Two students earned first place, and two others earned second place, before Wright finished third in 2007 and first in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
West was responsible for Wright's interest in masonry. "My Mother encouraged me to choose the electrical program, but Mr. West convinced me that he really wanted me in his masonry program," says Wright. "And the more brick I laid, the better I got. The better I got, the more I liked it.
"If I ever get a chance become an instructor myself," Wright continues, "I'll rely a lot on what Mr. West taught me. He pushed me. He was never satisfied. He told me I could always do better. I'm a better mason because of Mr. West."
Wright completed his training at Wallace State Community College in