Today in class: Build a chopper

Twenty-four Manitowoc-area high school students (right photo) who will design, fabricate and build mini-chopper motorcycles during the 2008–09 school year traveled to La Crosse in late June to a premier motorcycle show that attracts custom motorcycle builders and enthusiasts from across the U.S.

The students from Lincoln, Roncalli and Valders High School are participating on four project teams in the 2008–09 Manitowoc County High School Manufacturing Project.

The S&S 50th Anniversary Celebration was sponsored by high performance V-Twin aftermarket industry producer S&S Cycle of La Crosse. The event featured S&S Cycle plant tours, a Bike Build Off, motorcycle races, and a La Crosse Area Harley–Davidson-sponsored ride, among other activities.

Project Mini-Chopper, developed by the Economic Development Corporation of Manitowoc County and The Chamber of Manitowoc County, will give the students hands on skills in manufacturing design, organization and fabrication. It will also promote interaction with technical advisors from local manufacturing companies.

The mission of the project is to show students, parents and educators that local manufacturing provides excellent career opportunities. The goal of the local manufacturer and student interaction during the project is to provide the students career advice and future contacts.

The mini-choppers being built during the 2008–09 school year by the four teams will cost nothing for the students and school districts. The entire expense is being born by local manufacturing and business sponsors.

Four major sponsors, hardcore bikers, have each been assigned to a high school team. They will have design approval over the bike and will receive the finished mini-chopper. The four teams and team sponsors are: Valders High School, sponsored by Spancrete; Roncalli High School, sponsored by Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry; and two Lincoln High School teams, sponsored by LDI Industries and Manitowoc Crane Group. The remaining sponsors have donated time, expertise, material and money to the project.

In addition to learning hands-on manufacturing skills, students building the mini-choppers will earn high school and college credits, practice creative and critical thinking skills, learn and apply creative problem-solving methods and tools, collaborate as team players and enhance communication and presentation skills.

Pictured with Paul Teutel (third from left) of Orange County Choppers are (from left) advisor John Vogel, students Joe Vogel, Nick Bushman, Willis Clark, Ryan Kiel, and Jacob Eis.