Student Success
Makayla Wilkins
There is no way to put into words how much your program has helped me and meant to me. Through your classes I learned to network, found my love for woodworking, got my first woodwork job, learned and loved CAD, and inspired me to pursue an engineering degree. I have loved our conversations and all the fun stories in class. I’m grateful for all the help you have given me on my extra projects. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without your help.
Heidi (Kibler) Bennet
Mr. Smith was the man who would teach every guy to show respect and every girl to expect respect. He would teach all of us to respect ourselves. He was patient and awfully tolerable of teenage emotions. He called me Miss Kibler more often than not. Usually it was to casually get my attention, a handful of times it was a warning that I was hitting a nerve. He took Katie and I to the AWFS/Woodlinks convention in California with his group of guys – endless memories made! I was in a pretty bad accident on Prom night my Junior year. The next time I saw him he hugged me so tight and said “you are very lucky young lady…and so are we”. My heart melted. As an adult, I know he was the type of teacher who would have done anything in the world to keep us safe and teach us everything he could. I love him for all he was to me and for all he still is to kids today. My girls would be lucky to have an influence like him at school.
Chandler Norton
I didn’t like school very much, as some kids don't, but the art room and wood shop was where I excelled. One of my favorite teachers, Mark Smith, gave me the opportunity to grow and expand my talents. After I graduated, I was able to attend the 2019 Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers Trade Fair, where I entered a project in the Freshwood Student Design Contest and placed in the production category. I have started my career in the wood industry with a leg up because of my experiences in the wood manufacturing shop at Reed-Custer High School. I currently enjoy work at a cabinet shop making cabinets and delivering them. I appreciate everything Mr. Smith has done and is doing. Keep it up Mr. Smith!
Jennifer Deardorff-mother of two of my students
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly and thank you for your patience during this whole thing (COVID-19). You are a wonderful teacher and the boys constantly mention how much they enjoy your class. Russ is even considering changing his major in college because of you and CAD class. Thank you again for all you have done for my boys
Adam Carrington
The experience in 3D modeling I gained from Mark Smith's industrial technology classes prepared me well for similar courses in college and ultimately my first career at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. At Northrop I utilize 3D modeling software to aid in aircraft design.
The networking and communication skills that I developed while working with Shiloh's industrial technology's industry partners at trade shows and throughout my time at Shiloh have served me well in my career. Those skills have been key to my success when communicating with both suppliers and customers in my most recent role as a Project Manager.
Aidan Lynn
You are a wonderful teacher and Morris was lucky to have you. I appreciate everything you taught me and all of the other students lucky enough to have had your classes. The hands on experience in your classes definitely helped. I now work for Hayes Mechanical in Chicago, IL.
Daniel DeWitt
The following companies are places Dan has worked since leaving high school-Lyon (Paris Metals), Frasca International, Wirco
Dan Berlin
Worked at Evapco Midwest in Greenup Illinois. Reading and building to drafting and engineering specs, all thanks to being in Mark Smith's Manufacturing and CAD classes from the 8th grade till I graduated high school.
Eli Gile
I was enrolled in Mr. Smith’s program my freshman and sophomore year at Morris Community High School. In those two years, I learned a great deal about woodworking, construction, adhesives, paints and primers, nails, screws, and power tools. I have taken these skills and used them at work, home on the farm, and in other technical classes I have taken since. However, Mr. Smith taught me much more than woodworking. He valued the students futures, and helped us with whatever dilemma we were facing in life. He taught us all about budgeting and how to know what money to save. He taught us tricks to quickly solve simple math, and he kept us up to date with what was happening in the manufacturing industry. He didn't just help the kids who were pursuing a career in industry either. Mr. Smith knew that I was planning to go into the agriculture industry, and he treated me with great respect, and never tried to persuade me to go a different route. All around, Mr. Smith was a no-nonsense teacher who values honesty, integrity, and respect, and shows the same to the students.
Emory Luth
My interest in the wood industry was first cultivated by Mr. Smith when I was in 7th grade. I went on to pursue an engineering degree and now run my own manufacturing company called Midwest Precision Parts. I am humbled by Mr. Smith’s drive to inspire his students and am thankful to be one of those inspired. I now benefit from his technical expertise in my professional life. I was recently named to the Wood Industry 40 Under 40 list and Mr. Smith offered the most enthusiastic congratulations. Mr. Smith’s industrial technology program got me started on the right path and I continue to value his mentorship.
Greg Cary
The Industrial Technology classes that I attended as a Jr High and High school student helped give me the structure that formed my work ethic today. Although my job title doesn’t fall into the Industrial Technology field, those classes helped me advance in my position today. At a young age, I learned what it takes to create products from start to finish. From drafting parts of a product to the finished product itself. Seeing that every step gets followed properly in production is an important part of the product . I know that I have made a better life for myself with the help of these classes. Not only with a job, but with typical day to day issues and adventures. I am a better person for having that experience.
Heidi Lynn Bennett (Kibler)
Mark Smith and Brandy Biros were my north stars in high school! So thankful for you both!
Jacob Hixson
Not a day goes by that I don't use the problem solving skills you taught me to use and I love it!
J. Taylor Craig
My profession didn't end up under an IA umbrella but I can trace the root of it back to all of the Industrial Technology classes I took with Mark Smith at Shiloh High School. I gained a ton of experience designing, coding and troubleshooting the software programs used in the classroom.
The knowledge base I gained working with those industry level programs gave me a significant advantage heading into the design/computer science world. Perhaps more importantly, though -- I learned the value of process, and how software can aid or hinder when introduced within new workflows. Understanding that human and computer interaction so early on propelled me into User Experience Design. I now manage a team of other UX Professionals designing healthcare web applications.
I can't thank Mark Smith enough for striving to make that program what it was. In addition to propelling me down my career path, he also inspired my lifelong hobby of woodworking. I just wish he would have warned me at how expensive of a hobby that is!
John Hunt
I am so thankful for all the great lessons you taught in the classroom about life. I know that thanks to you I have an edge on life.
Joseph Combes
Learning to work with AutoCAD in Mark Smith's industrial technology classes in high school, paved the way for me to achieve my architectural drafting certificate from Parkland Collage. I now work at O.E.Schrock Inc. in Arthur, IL working with SoftPlan Home Design & 20/20 Kitchen Design programs on a daily basis. The AutoCAD tools that Mark Smith taught me have applied to all my design programs and I am extremely thankful for all the knowledge he has provided me. Also taking his wood working classes has helped me learn the ins and outs of different wood types which helps me tremendously with my kitchen cabinet sales. Thank you Mark for everything you taught me. Joe Combes Shiloh HighSchool Class of 2000
Kristofer Cummings
I first met Mark Smith in 7th grade; he was the industrial technology teacher at Shiloh CUSD #1. Mark taught me a great many things (aside from general woodworking) that would set me on a path to success. Design, manufacturing, troubleshooting, and redesign were often practiced. Mark taught me that sometimes things don't go as planned, and sometimes you might make mistakes, but that doesn't mean you give up; you simply evaluate the situation and adjust accordingly. This valuable life lesson has helped carry me through a successful career in U.S. Army aviation as a UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief, mechanic, and squad leader. Mark taught me how to follow; as well as how to be a leader, how to take responsibility for my own actions, and the importance of networking. Mr. Smith left a lasting impression on me, and I have no doubt that his mentoring has greatly helped me to achieve the things that I have today.
Kristofer Cummings
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Shiloh HS Class of 2009
Kyle VanSickle
Throughout my life, I have had many inspirational leaders that helped mold and educate me into the leader I am today. Mark Smith is a true educator and a great leader that influenced my life. Due to Mark's ability to educate, he taught me how to teach as a leader through his hands on approach in his shop class. Managers have several roles and responsibilities and teaching is one of the most important ones. Thanks to Mark's mentorship, I apply the skills I learned in his class with my team today. Kyle VanSickle-Caterpillar Inc. Management/Shiloh class 2001
Matthew Jurak
As a student at Morris Community High School, there was no other class I was more excited to come to than Mark Smith’s Industrial Technology courses. Mark’s way of teaching is like no other. He is straight and to the point, he is also very realistic and he relates to many students who are hands on learners just like myself. Although I have not decided on a career, Mark taught me how to be patient, and to be a good worker. He showed me what it takes to be a good employee, so when I do figure out my career I will be successful. He taught me how to use AutoCad, which is a very powerful and useful skill that could be a part of my possible career choice. Overall the courses I took with Mark Smith really impacted my life in a positive way and I know the skills he taught me will help me go far in my career. Thanks for everything Mr. Smith!
Megan LeBlanc
The Industrial Technology program lead by Mr. Mark Smith at Morris Community High School had a large impact on me not only during my high school career, but into my college career as well. During my time in MCHS's Industrial Technology program, I learned how to work well with AutoCAD, and I enjoyed every IT class I had. Mr. Smith expected a lot out of his students and pushed them to achieve excellence like he knew they could. Going into college, I remembered how much I enjoyed my CAD classes, and I decided to choose Engineering Graphics and Design as my major at Murray State University. Now, in my third semester of college, I am doing very well in my program. I have advanced my AutoCAD skills even further, and I have even become very skilled in SOLIDWORKS as well. I could not have come this far in my program without the education and encouragement from Mr. Smith as he lead the Industrial Technology program. I am very thankful to have gotten the opportunity to have Mr. Smith as a teacher.
Nick Alonzo
As a student at Northern Illinois University studying Meteorology, Mr. Smith's Industrial Technology program affected my way of going after my career. After taking 3 years of classes with Mr. Smith at Morris Community High School and building many projects, I am still using the life lessons he taught in college today. Lessons such as; being on time, putting pride into your work, and being a hard worker. All of this is important not only for going to college, but also looking for a job or career. During one of my winter breaks, I was allowed to work with my father's union local 17 as a helper assisting them on the job site at Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station. Working on top of a 75' oil tanks laying sheet metal and insulation was made possible because of the knowledge l was taught in your classes, I was able to get the position and actually do the work due to what I learned in your classes. I just wanted to say thank you for the few years you worked at Morris, without your classes, I would not have been able to get the position or the experience I did working with local 17.
NIck Lerma
I was in my senior year when Mr. Smith first started at Morris high school. As an industrial arts teacher he has impacted me and many other students. Mr.Smith opened your interests to hands on learning from AutoCAD, CNC technology, to woodworking. It was just not a regular "shop class" when you walked into his classroom. If you were interested and willing to learn, he would make sure to share his knowledge with you. Despite me being in a different trade, as a Union Pipe-fitter, I still use and apply what Mr.Smith has taught me in his industrial technology program. I was very fortunate to have him as a teacher in high school.
Seth Berry
Mr. Smith, Just wanted to send a quick message letting you know that I started helping my son's middle school track team. Its been a blast, but it reminds me of how much fun you made track. I don't think any of us would have been as successful in our events without your help and support.
Steve DeWitt
Illinois Department of Transportation - Civil Engineer... Due to early learning ( as early as 8th grade and continued through HS) of hand and computer aided drafting as well as understanding plan reading. All skills learned helped set a solid base and a jump ahead of the rest when entering into my Bachelors of Engineering program. ( this had direct influence on my major and career chosen)
Tucker Hofmann
I had Mark Smith as a teacher when I was a student at Morris Community High School. He helped my increase my understanding of CNC technology and how it is programed. I work at a CNC machining company called Mennie Machine Company, Inc.located in Mark, IL.
Austin Stacy
This is a great program at the high school level, Mark Smith teaches the classes well and is fair. Not only that, but you learn the basics of wood working, then all the way to 3D CADD, some CNC programming, Mr. Smith is an awesome teacher that takes the job seriously and knows how to have fun with it.
Ramon Echeverria
Mark Smith has given me a head start in college. Not only in the classroom, but outside the classroom it as well. He was such a great teacher to have. Throughout my years at Morris Community High School, I have never met an instructor who is willing come in before and after school and give of his free time on the weekends. He, as well as help from his other students, turned the Morris High School Industrial Technology program around. In the classes he offered, I acquired the skill set to use manufacturing equipment and how to use one of the most powerful programs in the drafting industry, AutoCAD. He also taught me how to think critically while solving real world problems. I have been certified and received a WCA Skill Standards Passport with stamps for several machines. Without Mark, I would have never made it past high school. He isn't just an ordinary instructor. he's one that inspires others. He is not only a teacher, but also a friend. He's opened doors to many opportunities for me. The main reason I decided to major in CADD is because of Mark Smith. Without his influence I do not know where I would be today. Thank you for everything. I appreciate all you’ve done for me.
Taylor Craig
I think things are really swinging back to a "making" culture. Your program at the 30,000 ft. view taught us how to be engineers (be it in the physical space or digital space). Design. Test. Iterate. That's a major tenant of what drives successful work in what I do now, and I know the modern “independent makers” hammer on this culture, as well. With those new tools at your disposal, I can only imagine of what you'll be driving toward with your students.
Trevor Kingman
I want to thank Mr. Smith for teaching me who to measure accurately and how to work with decimals and fractions. It has helped me with my ASVAB practice test and will surely help me on the actual test.
Bobby Stuebinger
I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you. I learned more life skills in the classes I had with you than any other class. Punctuality for example, giving the service time for being late was a big reminder to always be on time. I’m convinced that I received the job I have because of the interviewing skills you taught. I’m a laborer for Meade and I have been since 2017. You’d be surprised how many people don’t know all the fractions of an inch, which is just another thing I learned in your class. Not to mention you taught me to be a better person all around. All in all I just wanted to say thank you for teaching me many life lessons and skills throughout the years I had you as a teacher.
Travis Pollard
You are an awesome teacher. You made coming to class easy.
There is no way to put into words how much your program has helped me and meant to me. Through your classes I learned to network, found my love for woodworking, got my first woodwork job, learned and loved CAD, and inspired me to pursue an engineering degree. I have loved our conversations and all the fun stories in class. I’m grateful for all the help you have given me on my extra projects. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without your help.
Heidi (Kibler) Bennet
Mr. Smith was the man who would teach every guy to show respect and every girl to expect respect. He would teach all of us to respect ourselves. He was patient and awfully tolerable of teenage emotions. He called me Miss Kibler more often than not. Usually it was to casually get my attention, a handful of times it was a warning that I was hitting a nerve. He took Katie and I to the AWFS/Woodlinks convention in California with his group of guys – endless memories made! I was in a pretty bad accident on Prom night my Junior year. The next time I saw him he hugged me so tight and said “you are very lucky young lady…and so are we”. My heart melted. As an adult, I know he was the type of teacher who would have done anything in the world to keep us safe and teach us everything he could. I love him for all he was to me and for all he still is to kids today. My girls would be lucky to have an influence like him at school.
Chandler Norton
I didn’t like school very much, as some kids don't, but the art room and wood shop was where I excelled. One of my favorite teachers, Mark Smith, gave me the opportunity to grow and expand my talents. After I graduated, I was able to attend the 2019 Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers Trade Fair, where I entered a project in the Freshwood Student Design Contest and placed in the production category. I have started my career in the wood industry with a leg up because of my experiences in the wood manufacturing shop at Reed-Custer High School. I currently enjoy work at a cabinet shop making cabinets and delivering them. I appreciate everything Mr. Smith has done and is doing. Keep it up Mr. Smith!
Jennifer Deardorff-mother of two of my students
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly and thank you for your patience during this whole thing (COVID-19). You are a wonderful teacher and the boys constantly mention how much they enjoy your class. Russ is even considering changing his major in college because of you and CAD class. Thank you again for all you have done for my boys
Adam Carrington
The experience in 3D modeling I gained from Mark Smith's industrial technology classes prepared me well for similar courses in college and ultimately my first career at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. At Northrop I utilize 3D modeling software to aid in aircraft design.
The networking and communication skills that I developed while working with Shiloh's industrial technology's industry partners at trade shows and throughout my time at Shiloh have served me well in my career. Those skills have been key to my success when communicating with both suppliers and customers in my most recent role as a Project Manager.
Aidan Lynn
You are a wonderful teacher and Morris was lucky to have you. I appreciate everything you taught me and all of the other students lucky enough to have had your classes. The hands on experience in your classes definitely helped. I now work for Hayes Mechanical in Chicago, IL.
Daniel DeWitt
The following companies are places Dan has worked since leaving high school-Lyon (Paris Metals), Frasca International, Wirco
Dan Berlin
Worked at Evapco Midwest in Greenup Illinois. Reading and building to drafting and engineering specs, all thanks to being in Mark Smith's Manufacturing and CAD classes from the 8th grade till I graduated high school.
Eli Gile
I was enrolled in Mr. Smith’s program my freshman and sophomore year at Morris Community High School. In those two years, I learned a great deal about woodworking, construction, adhesives, paints and primers, nails, screws, and power tools. I have taken these skills and used them at work, home on the farm, and in other technical classes I have taken since. However, Mr. Smith taught me much more than woodworking. He valued the students futures, and helped us with whatever dilemma we were facing in life. He taught us all about budgeting and how to know what money to save. He taught us tricks to quickly solve simple math, and he kept us up to date with what was happening in the manufacturing industry. He didn't just help the kids who were pursuing a career in industry either. Mr. Smith knew that I was planning to go into the agriculture industry, and he treated me with great respect, and never tried to persuade me to go a different route. All around, Mr. Smith was a no-nonsense teacher who values honesty, integrity, and respect, and shows the same to the students.
Emory Luth
My interest in the wood industry was first cultivated by Mr. Smith when I was in 7th grade. I went on to pursue an engineering degree and now run my own manufacturing company called Midwest Precision Parts. I am humbled by Mr. Smith’s drive to inspire his students and am thankful to be one of those inspired. I now benefit from his technical expertise in my professional life. I was recently named to the Wood Industry 40 Under 40 list and Mr. Smith offered the most enthusiastic congratulations. Mr. Smith’s industrial technology program got me started on the right path and I continue to value his mentorship.
Greg Cary
The Industrial Technology classes that I attended as a Jr High and High school student helped give me the structure that formed my work ethic today. Although my job title doesn’t fall into the Industrial Technology field, those classes helped me advance in my position today. At a young age, I learned what it takes to create products from start to finish. From drafting parts of a product to the finished product itself. Seeing that every step gets followed properly in production is an important part of the product . I know that I have made a better life for myself with the help of these classes. Not only with a job, but with typical day to day issues and adventures. I am a better person for having that experience.
Heidi Lynn Bennett (Kibler)
Mark Smith and Brandy Biros were my north stars in high school! So thankful for you both!
Jacob Hixson
Not a day goes by that I don't use the problem solving skills you taught me to use and I love it!
J. Taylor Craig
My profession didn't end up under an IA umbrella but I can trace the root of it back to all of the Industrial Technology classes I took with Mark Smith at Shiloh High School. I gained a ton of experience designing, coding and troubleshooting the software programs used in the classroom.
The knowledge base I gained working with those industry level programs gave me a significant advantage heading into the design/computer science world. Perhaps more importantly, though -- I learned the value of process, and how software can aid or hinder when introduced within new workflows. Understanding that human and computer interaction so early on propelled me into User Experience Design. I now manage a team of other UX Professionals designing healthcare web applications.
I can't thank Mark Smith enough for striving to make that program what it was. In addition to propelling me down my career path, he also inspired my lifelong hobby of woodworking. I just wish he would have warned me at how expensive of a hobby that is!
John Hunt
I am so thankful for all the great lessons you taught in the classroom about life. I know that thanks to you I have an edge on life.
Joseph Combes
Learning to work with AutoCAD in Mark Smith's industrial technology classes in high school, paved the way for me to achieve my architectural drafting certificate from Parkland Collage. I now work at O.E.Schrock Inc. in Arthur, IL working with SoftPlan Home Design & 20/20 Kitchen Design programs on a daily basis. The AutoCAD tools that Mark Smith taught me have applied to all my design programs and I am extremely thankful for all the knowledge he has provided me. Also taking his wood working classes has helped me learn the ins and outs of different wood types which helps me tremendously with my kitchen cabinet sales. Thank you Mark for everything you taught me. Joe Combes Shiloh HighSchool Class of 2000
Kristofer Cummings
I first met Mark Smith in 7th grade; he was the industrial technology teacher at Shiloh CUSD #1. Mark taught me a great many things (aside from general woodworking) that would set me on a path to success. Design, manufacturing, troubleshooting, and redesign were often practiced. Mark taught me that sometimes things don't go as planned, and sometimes you might make mistakes, but that doesn't mean you give up; you simply evaluate the situation and adjust accordingly. This valuable life lesson has helped carry me through a successful career in U.S. Army aviation as a UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief, mechanic, and squad leader. Mark taught me how to follow; as well as how to be a leader, how to take responsibility for my own actions, and the importance of networking. Mr. Smith left a lasting impression on me, and I have no doubt that his mentoring has greatly helped me to achieve the things that I have today.
Kristofer Cummings
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Shiloh HS Class of 2009
Kyle VanSickle
Throughout my life, I have had many inspirational leaders that helped mold and educate me into the leader I am today. Mark Smith is a true educator and a great leader that influenced my life. Due to Mark's ability to educate, he taught me how to teach as a leader through his hands on approach in his shop class. Managers have several roles and responsibilities and teaching is one of the most important ones. Thanks to Mark's mentorship, I apply the skills I learned in his class with my team today. Kyle VanSickle-Caterpillar Inc. Management/Shiloh class 2001
Matthew Jurak
As a student at Morris Community High School, there was no other class I was more excited to come to than Mark Smith’s Industrial Technology courses. Mark’s way of teaching is like no other. He is straight and to the point, he is also very realistic and he relates to many students who are hands on learners just like myself. Although I have not decided on a career, Mark taught me how to be patient, and to be a good worker. He showed me what it takes to be a good employee, so when I do figure out my career I will be successful. He taught me how to use AutoCad, which is a very powerful and useful skill that could be a part of my possible career choice. Overall the courses I took with Mark Smith really impacted my life in a positive way and I know the skills he taught me will help me go far in my career. Thanks for everything Mr. Smith!
Megan LeBlanc
The Industrial Technology program lead by Mr. Mark Smith at Morris Community High School had a large impact on me not only during my high school career, but into my college career as well. During my time in MCHS's Industrial Technology program, I learned how to work well with AutoCAD, and I enjoyed every IT class I had. Mr. Smith expected a lot out of his students and pushed them to achieve excellence like he knew they could. Going into college, I remembered how much I enjoyed my CAD classes, and I decided to choose Engineering Graphics and Design as my major at Murray State University. Now, in my third semester of college, I am doing very well in my program. I have advanced my AutoCAD skills even further, and I have even become very skilled in SOLIDWORKS as well. I could not have come this far in my program without the education and encouragement from Mr. Smith as he lead the Industrial Technology program. I am very thankful to have gotten the opportunity to have Mr. Smith as a teacher.
Nick Alonzo
As a student at Northern Illinois University studying Meteorology, Mr. Smith's Industrial Technology program affected my way of going after my career. After taking 3 years of classes with Mr. Smith at Morris Community High School and building many projects, I am still using the life lessons he taught in college today. Lessons such as; being on time, putting pride into your work, and being a hard worker. All of this is important not only for going to college, but also looking for a job or career. During one of my winter breaks, I was allowed to work with my father's union local 17 as a helper assisting them on the job site at Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station. Working on top of a 75' oil tanks laying sheet metal and insulation was made possible because of the knowledge l was taught in your classes, I was able to get the position and actually do the work due to what I learned in your classes. I just wanted to say thank you for the few years you worked at Morris, without your classes, I would not have been able to get the position or the experience I did working with local 17.
NIck Lerma
I was in my senior year when Mr. Smith first started at Morris high school. As an industrial arts teacher he has impacted me and many other students. Mr.Smith opened your interests to hands on learning from AutoCAD, CNC technology, to woodworking. It was just not a regular "shop class" when you walked into his classroom. If you were interested and willing to learn, he would make sure to share his knowledge with you. Despite me being in a different trade, as a Union Pipe-fitter, I still use and apply what Mr.Smith has taught me in his industrial technology program. I was very fortunate to have him as a teacher in high school.
Seth Berry
Mr. Smith, Just wanted to send a quick message letting you know that I started helping my son's middle school track team. Its been a blast, but it reminds me of how much fun you made track. I don't think any of us would have been as successful in our events without your help and support.
Steve DeWitt
Illinois Department of Transportation - Civil Engineer... Due to early learning ( as early as 8th grade and continued through HS) of hand and computer aided drafting as well as understanding plan reading. All skills learned helped set a solid base and a jump ahead of the rest when entering into my Bachelors of Engineering program. ( this had direct influence on my major and career chosen)
Tucker Hofmann
I had Mark Smith as a teacher when I was a student at Morris Community High School. He helped my increase my understanding of CNC technology and how it is programed. I work at a CNC machining company called Mennie Machine Company, Inc.located in Mark, IL.
Austin Stacy
This is a great program at the high school level, Mark Smith teaches the classes well and is fair. Not only that, but you learn the basics of wood working, then all the way to 3D CADD, some CNC programming, Mr. Smith is an awesome teacher that takes the job seriously and knows how to have fun with it.
Ramon Echeverria
Mark Smith has given me a head start in college. Not only in the classroom, but outside the classroom it as well. He was such a great teacher to have. Throughout my years at Morris Community High School, I have never met an instructor who is willing come in before and after school and give of his free time on the weekends. He, as well as help from his other students, turned the Morris High School Industrial Technology program around. In the classes he offered, I acquired the skill set to use manufacturing equipment and how to use one of the most powerful programs in the drafting industry, AutoCAD. He also taught me how to think critically while solving real world problems. I have been certified and received a WCA Skill Standards Passport with stamps for several machines. Without Mark, I would have never made it past high school. He isn't just an ordinary instructor. he's one that inspires others. He is not only a teacher, but also a friend. He's opened doors to many opportunities for me. The main reason I decided to major in CADD is because of Mark Smith. Without his influence I do not know where I would be today. Thank you for everything. I appreciate all you’ve done for me.
Taylor Craig
I think things are really swinging back to a "making" culture. Your program at the 30,000 ft. view taught us how to be engineers (be it in the physical space or digital space). Design. Test. Iterate. That's a major tenant of what drives successful work in what I do now, and I know the modern “independent makers” hammer on this culture, as well. With those new tools at your disposal, I can only imagine of what you'll be driving toward with your students.
Trevor Kingman
I want to thank Mr. Smith for teaching me who to measure accurately and how to work with decimals and fractions. It has helped me with my ASVAB practice test and will surely help me on the actual test.
Bobby Stuebinger
I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you. I learned more life skills in the classes I had with you than any other class. Punctuality for example, giving the service time for being late was a big reminder to always be on time. I’m convinced that I received the job I have because of the interviewing skills you taught. I’m a laborer for Meade and I have been since 2017. You’d be surprised how many people don’t know all the fractions of an inch, which is just another thing I learned in your class. Not to mention you taught me to be a better person all around. All in all I just wanted to say thank you for teaching me many life lessons and skills throughout the years I had you as a teacher.
Travis Pollard
You are an awesome teacher. You made coming to class easy.