Apprentice Sets Sights

Labonne competed against 30 other young masons in the Connecticut state competition last year. By winning the competition, Labonne earned the right to represent his state in the national masonry contest held last June in Kansas City, Mo., in conjunction with the 40th annual SkillsUSA Leadership Conference.

A lot of credit for his success goes to his brother and his instructors. "They've done a great job explaining the trade, and they've gone ?above and beyond' to see me do well," Labonne says.

A graduate of H.H. Ellis Vocational High School in Danielson, Conn., Labonne kept a busy schedule while in school, working masonry-related "side jobs" to earn extra money.

And he still stays busy. Labonne is a member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local #1 and is employed by Grandy Masonry. He plans to enroll at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich, Conn., to learn business skills.