SAGINAW, MI - The Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is honored to celebrate Jakob Brill as the 2024 Alumni of the Year for the Saginaw Career Complex (SCC). Sean Connors, SCC's Automotive Repair & Finishing Instructor, nominated Brill, a 2020 Birch Run High School graduate known for his passion for automobiles. Brill now contributes his expertise as an auto body repair/paint technician at Serra Chevrolet in Saginaw.
"The automotive industry is a fast-growing industry and provides many high-demand occupations. To know that young people in our community can take advantage and excel by being a part of career and technical education and have experiences with local employers before their high school graduation is so important. It gives them a head start in their career path," stated Jenny Geno, Saginaw ISD's Executive Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE). She regards Brill as an exemplary figure in demonstrating the impact of CTE education.
Brill's academic journey was split between SCC and Birch Run High School, where he also engaged in the Horticulture program. His after-school hours were dedicated to working as an auto body helper. Reflecting on his experiences, Brill said, "I enjoyed gaining knowledge from the program's hands-on learning and my mentorship with Mr. Connors." His participation in SkillsUSA competitions instilled in him values such as integrity and community service, which he continues to uphold.
Brill's supervisor at Serra Chevrolet, Ashley Kazmerski, praised his work ethic and attention to detail, stating, "Jake is a really great person and employee. He has a skill for the fine detail in things. He's always willing to take on a new task and try new things. You can just tell that he truly loves what he does."
Brill's commitment extends beyond his professional duties; he has been actively involved with SCC's Auto Body Collision Repair and Finishing program as a volunteer, judge for SkillsUSA competitions, and an advisory board member. His instructor, Connors, expressed gratitude for Brill's contributions: "Jakob has helped me tremendously with my program and has always provided a helping hand. Whenever I call Jakob, he always has the same response, 'What time do you need me there.' I truly can't thank him enough."
John Pitts, a mentor with over 43 years at Serra Chevrolet, commended Brill's independence and work ethic: "Jake has a great work ethic, makes decisions on his own, and pays attention to detail. We're happy to have someone his age that works this hard - he's one in a million."
Through Brill's story, the Saginaw ISD and SCC highlight the tangible benefits of career and technical education, underscoring the importance of community and industry partnerships in fostering the next generation of skilled professionals. Brill will be honored at the CTE Alumni Award Luncheon hosted by SCC on February 20, 2024.
ABOUT SAGINAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is an educational service agency that provides effective and innovative leadership, services, resources, and programs throughout Saginaw County. Saginaw ISD provides career and technical education, early childhood, finance, human resources, instruction, pupil accounting, special education, technology, and transportation services. In addition, Saginaw ISD operates multiple educational programs to meet the unique needs of students ages birth to 26 across Saginaw County, including: Hartley Outdoor Education Center, Head Start/Early Head Start and Great Start to Readiness Programs, Great Lakes Bay Early College, Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center School, and Special Education Center Programs.
Saginaw ISD serves 12 local school districts, five public school academies, and 22 non-public schools, with a total enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. Public school districts supported include: Birch Run Area Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District, Carrollton Public Schools, Chesaning Union Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public School District, Merrill Community Schools, Saginaw Public School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, St. Charles Community Schools, and Swan Valley School District.
ABOUT SAGINAW CAREER COMPLEX
The Saginaw Career Complex is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center for Saginaw County. More than 900 high school juniors and seniors attend for half of their school day and are making a daily investment in their future careers. Each of the 19 programs offered at SCC links learning with earning by teaching skills that help prepare students for college, advanced technical training, or skilled entry-level work. In addition to learning in real-world, technology-rich labs, students can earn industry certifications that give them a head start in preparing for high-skill, high-wage careers.
This diverse group shares the common goal of career success, and they are getting a head start on preparing for a career. Students enrolled in CTE programs at SCC have the opportunity to earn FREE college credit, upon successful completion of certain requirements and instructor approval. At the same time, academic credit can be earned to Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements for CTE; English; Math; Science; Visual, Performing & Applied Arts, and Online Experience, depending on the program.
Throughout the school year, each student will participate in paid and/or unpaid work experience. This opportunity takes place during the regular school day and is arranged by Placement Coordinators. Placement is with local businesses and gives students real-world experience in their chosen career areas.
MEDIA CONTACT
For further inquiries, you may contact Chief of Staff Coty Kuschinsky at ckuschinsky@sisd.cc