Putnam Vocational Technical Academy alumni share their reflections on their vocational education and what it has meant to them.
Russell Pepe is a member of the Class of 1962 at Springfield Trade High School, now known as Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy. He is a retired sheet metal worker and union official.By RUSSELL PEPE
SPRINGFIELD - Looking back over the years, I have many people to thank for my successes in life.
However, one person who made an impact on my life was my Springfield Trade High School teacher, Mr. Russo.
When I went to school, our middle schools offered shop classes. It was at Forest Park Junior High where I was first introduced to sheet metal. My experience in the sheet-metal class made me realize that I wanted to continue my education at a high school that could offer a deeper foundation in this vocation.
Having Mr. Russo as my teacher helped me to understand the true value of hard work; he taught me how to start with a 4-by-8-foot piece of sheet metal and make all types of fittings.
We worked without the use of computers; we created artwork out of metal with just plain measuring, our minds and our hands.
My educational and work experience at Trade High School allowed me to understand the value of a good education and a solid career. It was at during my years at Trade that made me feel I could have a real opportunity in our society.
When I graduated in 1962, I went to work in the private sector and was hired by Local 63. At that time, I also went back to school at night for four more years to get additional training in order to become the best in my field.
Along with my two years in the private sector, I worked an additional 40 more years with Local 63 before I retired.
Trade High School didn’t just give me the tools to earn a good living; it gave me the capability to be a lifelong learner and the belief that I was not only an asset to my family, but a person of value to our society.
I am thankful for Trade High School and Mr. Russo for giving me the skills that allowed me to maintain a durable, lifelong career.