Back in November, Catherine Peterson, president of the Jamestown Boiler and Manufacturing Company, visited the manufacturing program at Chautauqua Lake. Along with one of her employees, Peterson toured the facilities and talked with students and staff, and then students were able to showcase their developing skills in the welding, CNC plasma, manual milling and turning, and metal fabrication processes Chautauqua Lake offers.

Josh Liddell, Chautauqua Lake superintendent, noted Peterson’s dedication to supporting education, including that during her visit she expressed her admiration for the students’ hands-on projects and how engaged they were with what they were learning.

“Catherine Peterson’s dedication to supporting local education and fostering the next generation of manufacturing talent reflects her company’s commitment to both our community and the industry,” Liddell said. “It was inspiring to witness her passion for manufacturing and her genuine eagerness to make a positive impact on our students. Catherine is nothing short of extraordinary, and the achievements she’s made over the years are a testament to her amazing work ethic and constant drive. Chautauqua Lake is blessed to be collaborating with her team.”

During her visit to the school Peterson also offered to support the manufacturing program by inviting the students to visit Jamestown Boiler and Manufacturing Company. Additionally, she offered access to surplus materials from the shop, which was undergoing a cleanup, including items such as steel angles, channels, square tubing, stainless steel, and aluminum.

During the field trip students were able to take advantage of surplus materials set aside for them.

Jamestown Boiler, a family-owned business since 1958, operates as a steel warehouse, provides crane services, and specializes in boiler repairs. The collaboration between the business and the school allowed for students to gain real-world insights and resources for their projects, while also providing an up-close view of the steel industry and enriching the students’ understandings of the practical applications of their classroom learning.

In mid-December, technology and manufacturing teacher Dan McCray organized a field trip for a group of students to Jamestown Boiler. During their visit, students toured the facility, observed some of the machinery in action, and collected the materials Peterson had set aside for them.

“The connection recently developed with Catherine (Peterson) is especially meaningful to myself and the students in our program,” McCray said. “She treated us like family from the first time we met, and supported what we are striving to do daily in training talented young workers with the skills they need with action. The kids we took to her facility were super appreciative of her generosity and are looking forward to a continued partnership with her and the team at Jamestown Boiler.”

Pictured is the group during Catherine Peterson’s visit to the manufacturing program at Chautauqua Lake. Submitted photo