Memphis, TN – The National Hardwood Lumber Association, headquartered here, celebrated the graduation of the 201st class of the Inspector Training School recently. Five students completed the eight-week program, and one completed the online training program.
Instructor Roman Matyushchenko thanked the employers who supported the students during their time away and encouraged students to “give more than what is expected from you and be more than what you’re expected to be.”
Class President Gunnar Cook of Merrick Hardwoods spoke to his fellow students, saying, “Now that we have graduated, we can get one of the best jobs in one of the best industries in the world. I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors as we part ways here; I hope that you look back fondly on the experiences and the good times we all had at Inspector Training School.”
Graduates of the 201st class were:
•Gunnar Cook, Merrick Hardwoods, Inc.
•Alberto Distefano, Independent
•Edoardo Nicolis, Independent
•Parker Holmes, Superior Hardwoods
•Ethan Klein, Bennett Hardwoods, Inc.
•Fischer Wilkerson, Winston Hardwood Lumber
Matyushchenko presented the individual achievement awards. Outstanding individual awards recipients were as follows:
•Alberto Distefano, ITS Educational Foundation Award for Highest Overall Average
•Ethan Klein, Howard Hanlon Award for Second Highest Overall Average
•Gunnar Cook, Westside Hardwood Club Award for Highest Board Run Average
•Fischer Wilkerson, NHLA Award for Best Attitude/Citizenship
•Gunnar Cook, The Lumbermen’s Club of Memphis Award for Most Improved
Enrollment is now open for the 202nd class in Oil City, PA, beginning on June 5, 2023. Enrollment is also open for class 203 in Antigo, WI, starting on June 5, 2023. To enroll or learn more about the Program, you can visit www.nhla.com.
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, you can visit www.nhla.com.
