This Veterans Day, eight plaques honoring Illinois Medal of Honor recipients hang in the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, thanks in large part to Mundelein High School senior Michael Townsend.
Michael led the design and production of 14 veterans plaques with engineering teacher Manny Aldana. Along with the eight in the Capitol, the remaining six recognize other veterans for their service and accomplishments and are displayed at other locations.
The project took shape when Fred Kliora, Director of Security and Events for Mundelein School Districts 75 and 120, and a veteran himself, reached out to Aldana. At the same time, Aldana and Michael were looking for community service projects for MHS' newly created chapter of the National Technical Honor Society. Michael quickly signed on and started drafting designs.
He first created custom-shaped plaques using computer-aided design (CAD) software, a skill he developed in Introduction to Engineering Design. It's one of three Project Lead the Way engineering and manufacturing electives he has taken with Aldana, along with Principles of Engineering and Computer Integrated Manufacturing. When the plaques' requirements didn't match that design, he simplified it. Michael then set up and ran the laser engraving and cutting machines in the school's Project Lead the Way classroom, just as he had in his manufacturing and engineering classes.
His commitment didn't end with the school year. Michael kept working through final assembly, which took place over summer break.
“Michael exemplifies our Mustang Way values of community and compassion by taking the helm on this project on day one," Aldana said. “This level of commitment to serving our community members sets Michael apart from his peers.”
For Kliora, seeing a student take on the project carried special meaning.
“Taking the time to complete this project honoring those who have served and sacrificed demonstrated a level of maturity and citizenship that goes beyond the classroom,” he said. “The fact that this was accomplished at Mundelein High School, which is the place I dedicate my work and efforts, makes me especially proud.”
For Michael, the project brought his classes together.
“It was nice to connect what we learn in different classes and see it come together," he said. "The General Marshall that I was making a plaque for, for example, was apparently the General Marshall that we learned about in our history classes!”
Michael's work shows how MHS engineering and manufacturing classes give students skills they can put to work for their community, including honoring the veterans who served it.