Two Platteview High School alumni recently returned to help inspire the next generation of students during Grow Sarpy’s annual Construction and Trades Day at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds.

The event brought together nearly 100 high school students and a wide range of industry, education, and workforce partners for a day focused on hands-on learning and career exploration in the skilled trades.

Alumni Supporting Future Trojans

Among the industry professionals helping lead activities were Platteview High School alumni Kory Kuszak, Class of 2003, and Makenna Bidrowski, Class of 2022.

Kuszak, who works for Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.) as a head welder, helped facilitate an ARC welding activity station, giving students the opportunity to learn more about welding careers and hands-on industry skills.

Bidrowski represented MCL Construction as a lead presenter focused on technology in construction. During her presentation, students learned how drones and 3D modeling technology are used to map projects, visualize construction timelines, and identify potential equipment conflicts before construction begins.

For students attending the event, the opportunity to learn directly from alumni working in these industries provided a powerful example of the many career paths available after graduation.

Exploring Careers Through Hands-On Learning

Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive stations led by contractors, unions, utilities, community colleges, and workforce partners. Activities highlighted apprenticeship opportunities, technical training programs, and careers in the skilled trades.

According to Grow Sarpy, events like Construction and Trades Day help create early exposure to career opportunities while building important connections between students and industry professionals.

The experience also reinforced the importance of helping students explore a variety of postsecondary pathways, including skilled trades and technical careers that are in high demand across the region.

Trojans Coming Home

Seeing Platteview alumni return to support and encourage students reflects the strong connections that continue long after graduation. Whether through welding, construction technology, engineering, or workforce development, Trojans continue making an impact both in their industries and in their communities.

SPCS is proud of alumni like Kuszak and Bidrowski for giving back and helping inspire future Trojans as they explore their own interests, talents, and career possibilities.