Michael Driscoll, an industrial technology teacher at Bay View High School, was ecstatic when he learned he won a $100,000 Grand Prize grant from Harbor Freight Tools for teaching excellence. The gift is from the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize to recognize not only teaching excellence but also excellence in skilled trades education. This $100,000 grant will provide beneficial financial support for Bay View High School. The $100,000 affects Bay View teachers and students, giving them financial aid for tools and better equipment, hands-on projects, and up-to-date software. Driscoll stated that this prize will help him expand the maker space.

When asked about winning the prize, Driscoll indicated that he was literally blown away, “I was surprised, it wasn’t supposed to come out this early, we won it a month early!” How will the money be utilized? This $100,000 infusion into the technology program at Bay View will be used “to repair and ensure fully running machines.” It will also provide opportunities to purchase new technology, like laser welders that can even double as plasma cutters.

When asked, How will this affect upcoming classes? Driscoll indicated that,  “We’re going to hire a lab technician to organize and catalog all our items.” He also elaborated on the subject by saying that Driscoll brought up that the money will allow for more training for the engineering teachers. But how will this affect the students’ learning? Driscoll said that it would allow for “bigger and better projects,” and “a lot more time in the maker space,” and even new courses!

Driscoll said he is very happy that this recognition can shine a positive light on Bay View. “We’ve been growing every single year, and this allows us to do it exponentially”. The Harbor Freight Tools prize helps to highlight the importance of skilled trades in preparing students to be college and career ready, and this places Bay View High School on the path to success.