Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center Takes First Place at Western Pennsylvania Regional Junior SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500

Altoona, PA – September 26, 2025 – The Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC) is proud to announce that students from its Masonry program secured the First Place title at the 2025 Western Pennsylvania Regional Junior SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 competition. The event, which showcases excellence in the masonry and construction trades, took place on September 25, 2025, at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh.

The winning team consisted of mason Jackson York (Hollidaysburg) and his laborer Zack Merritts (Williamsburg). They successfully constructed the highest-quality 9-foot, 4-inch brick wall within the intense 20-minute time limit, earning them a trophy, a cash prize, and the title of best in Western Pennsylvania.

The SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 is a prestigious annual competition for high school and apprentice participants. It tests the precision, accuracy, and speed of young masons, with the event also featuring educational sessions designed to promote careers in the construction industry.

“We are incredibly proud of Jackson and Zack for their outstanding skill and hard work,” said Lindsay Miksich, GACTC Principal. “Their victory is a testament to the quality of instruction and dedication within our Masonry program. It’s a significant achievement that highlights the talent emerging from the Greater Altoona area.”