ESCANABA — The young men of the Escanaba Jr/Sr High Authentic Man Club have been busy this school year, learning about important everyday personal tasks like shaving and tying ties to recently expanding their knowledge of career planning for the future by visiting the Escanaba Water Treatment Plant and the Union Local 111 Up Plumbers, Pipefitters and HVAC/R Training Facility. The purpose of visiting places like the water treatment plant and training facility is to help the boys dream about their futures by showing them different career opportunities in our own area.

Throughout the year the club members work hard to gain strength in their values as young men. This year the group has been visited by Gary Nash of the YMCA, Roy Dahlgren of the U.P. Trappers Association, and Erick Kestila with the Boy Scouts of America.

According to Kim Pepin, facilitator of the club, “The foundation (or pillar) of the club is strengthened by the efforts of the boys and the mentors of the club to work together on making good decisions. Our daily purpose is to show by word and action the importance of being a good example to others in happiness, hardship or when… no one is looking.”

Mentors for this year of the club are Escanaba School Board Member Bob Chaillier, New Life Youth Pastor Patrick Bradway, Escanaba Jr. High Tutor Ross Rahoi, Principal Jude VanDamme and Escanaba Sr. High Discipline Coordinator Gary Lark along with Mr. Pepin.