Concrete lessons

Christine Carrillo

Sitting in a desk, listening to lectures on literature or

mathematics, 16-year-old George Gemayel sees classroom education as a

chore. For him, the education he can acquire through manual labor

proves much more profitable, much more enjoyable.

As one of nine students at Back Bay High School in Costa Mesa to

participate in a themed-concrete project for the ceramics class at

the school, Gemayel jumped on the chance to work with professionals

and learn more about a trade that he already found interesting.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said. “This is

going to be here forever ... and I did it. I know this is what I want

to do.”

The students, who finished up the project on Tuesday, were

selected from a list of more than 20 candidates and were chosen based

on their behavior at school and their teachers’ recommendations. They

got the chance to spend nine days transforming a 1,350-square-foot

area into a decorative landscape for the school’s ceramics and

pottery class.

They helped with the rhubarb, stamping, pouring and staining and

really dedicated a piece of themselves to the project, which left

them with a sense of pride as they watched it come together.

“I thought it would be a cool experience for me,” said 17-year-old

Jessica Newnum, one of the few girls to participate in the project.

“I think it looks good and I’m proud to have been a part of it.”

For them, the project demanded their dedication and commitment and

it taught them about work ethic and accomplishment.

“Some of these kids aren’t made for college ... and this is a

great idea because it shows them you can still be successful,” said

Marshall Barabasch, director of architectural concrete for Peterson

Brothers Construction and the leader of the project.

As a former continuation school student himself, Barabasch, one of

Disney’s prime subcontractors, can relate to the challenges these

students face and wanted to help them see the opportunities and

possibilities that lie ahead of them.

From beginning to end, the students explored a new world, a new

trade and tested their drive along the way.

“These kids have a lot of talent and this is just an example of

what they can do,” said Debbie Davis, principal at Back Bay. “You put

them out in the real world and you see who they really are.”

The students, with the aid of professionals, worked diligently to

transform the area into a decorative space, akin to that seen at any

Disney park, that will invite ceramic creativity and exemplifies the

spirit of Back Bay’s students.

“It shows them that you can learn a skill and do very, very well

for yourself,” said Tom Holtom, who oversees Measure A construction

for the district and organized this project. “It has taught the kids

a trade and they got to participate in making something for their

school. It’s something all their own.”

* CHRISTINE CARRILLO covers education and may be reached at (949)

574-4268 or by e-mail at christine.carrillo@latimes.com.