Memphis, TN– The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) recently celebrated the graduation of the 196th class of the Inspector Training School on November 5, 2021. Eleven students completed the 8-week 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 students, telling them, “So many graduates of this School have become owners, presidents, and managers of the companies they worked for after graduation. You have all the chance to find long-term careers in this great industry. I wish you good luck in the future.”
Adam Conway with Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, a graduate from ITS Class #116 in 1995, gave the keynote address. He congratulated the graduates and told them, “You came here because someone believed in you: your family, your employer. You completed the course because you believed in yourself. What you do with it now is up to you. As you move forward in your careers, find your feet, have confidence in yourself, and have confidence in your training.”
Tanner Brown with B & B Lumber Co. was elected class president. He spoke to his fellow students during the ceremony saying, “I’d like to thank my grandpa, sit- ting in the first row, for giving me the opportunity to come to this School, join this business, and start my career. To class 196, I hope that we all continue to see each other in our daily lives and work even though we live just about everywhere. I’ve loved spending the last eight weeks with you guys. It has been downright amazing every single day.”
Graduates of the 196th class were:
- Chris Amos, J. Gibson McIlvain Co.
- Brady Antons, Kendrick Forest Products
- Ryley Bennett, Billsby Lumber Company
- Tanner Brown, B & B Lumber Co.
- Addison Conway, Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, Inc.
- Lance Crump, Hartzell Hardwoods, Inc.
- Travis Groth, Kendrick Forest Products
- Jeremy Jeffries, Tuscarora Hardwoods, Inc.
- Chun Ta Ko (Nick), Independent
- Greg Roehl, Willenburg Hardwood Industries, Inc.
- Jonathan Swan, Battle Lumber Co., Inc.
Roman Matyushchenko presented the individual achievement awards. Outstanding individual awards recipients were as follows:
- Greg Roehl, ITS Educational Foundation Award for Highest Overall Average
- (Tie) Jeremy Jeffries, Howard Hanlon Award for Second Highest Overall Average
- (Tie) Tanner Brown, Howard Hanlon Award for Second Highest Overall Average
- Addison Conway, West Side Hardwood Club Award for Highest Board Run Average
- Greg Roehl, The Milt Cole and NHLA Award for Best Attitude/Citizenship
- Chun Ta Ko (Nick), The Willard Scholarship
The NHLA Inspector Training School has a proud and rich 70-year history, graduating more than 7,500 students since its conception. The program teaches the rules and applications of the NHLA grading system and prepares students for a career in the Hardwood industry. This unique program has earned worldwide respect, attracting students from throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia.
The world’s largest and oldest Hardwood industry association, NHLA represents companies and individuals that produce, use, and sell North American Hardwood lumber or provide equipment, supplies, or services to the Hardwood industry. It was founded in 1898 to establish a uniform system of grading rules for the measurement and inspection of Hardwood lumber. Since 1979, its headquarters have been in Memphis.
To learn more about NHLA, please visit www.nhla.com.
