Education Spotlight

Congratulations to the Graduates of the 195th Class of the NHLA Inspector Training School

Seated left to right: Terry Tussey, Stephen Graham, Roman Matyushchenko (Instructor), Joseph Coburn Standing left to right: Jonathan Flores, Nathan Hayes, Austin Davidson, Derek Arthur, Jason Hutson, Allen Hargrove

The National Hardwood Lumber Association celebrated the graduation of the 195th class of the Inspector Training School on Friday, August 6, 2021. Five students completed the traditional 8-week program, while four students completed the online program.

Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector and ITS Dean of Education, welcomed and thanked the families, friends, and employers who supported the students during their time away from home.

Instructor Roman Matyushchenko addressed the graduates, telling them, “You did a great job. In the future, try to improve your skills every day, every hour, and every minute. Give more than you are expected to give, and be more than you are expected to be.” Bruce Horner with Abenaki Timber Corporation, a graduate from ITS Class #108 in August of 1992, gave the keynote address. He congratulated the graduates and told them, “Your company sent you to Inspector Training School because they know this is where the industry leaders start, and they saw something in you that told them you could be a great leader because you showed a solid work ethic and initiative.”

Austin Davidson with York Legacy Mill was elected class president. He spoke to his fellow students during the ceremony saying, “The knowledge we have gained here will lead us into a bright and successful future, not just as lumber graders, but as part of a family in the everlasting industry of hardwood lumber. Let us leave here today with our heads held high and strive for nothing but the best!”

“ The knowledge we have gained here will lead us into a bright and successful future, not just as lumber graders, but as part of a family in the everlasting industry of hardwood lumber. ”

- Austin Davidson, Class President

GRADUATES OF THE 195TH CLASS WERE:

• Derek Arthur, Graf Brothers • Joseph Coburn, Missouri Walnut • Austin Davidson, York Legacy Mill • Jonathan Flores, Associated Hardwoods • Stephen Graham, Hammes Brothers Sawmill • Allen Hargrove, Winston Hardwood Lumber • Nathan Hayes, Hartzell Hardwoods • Jason Hutson, Hermitage Hardwood Lumber • Terry Tussey, Salem Hardwood Lumber Company Roman Matyushchenko presented the individual achievement awards.

Outstanding individual awards recipients were as follows: • Austin Davidson, ITS Educational Foundation Award for

Highest Overall Average • Terry Tussey, Howard Hanlon Award for Second Highest

Overall Average • Terry Tussey, Westside Hardwood Club Award for Highest Board

Run Average • Jonathan Flores, Milt Cole and NHLA Award for

Best Attitude/Citizenship

Enrollment is now open for the 196th class, which begins at NHLA headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, on September 13, 2021. To enroll or learn more about the program, please visit www.nhla.com.