Enzweiller Building Institute holds graduation, honors Sam Hoppius as Student of the Year

Sam Hoppius of Burlington was named Student of the Year by the Enzweiler Building Institute.

The award was presented as part of the annual graduation ceremony.

Twenty-six skilled tradespeople graduated from the institute: 15 electricians, seven carpenters and three heating and air conditioning technicians.

Hoppius, a third-year student at Enzweiler, was chosen based on his leadership in the classroom and his excellence in the field of electric. He is a graduate of the Boone County Area Technology Center and currently works for Prestige Electric in Burlington. Hoppius passed his electric journeyman exam on December 20, 2018 and ultimately plans to become a master electrician.

“We had four outstanding nominations for our Student of the Year,” said Vicki Berling, director of professional development at the Building Industry Association of NKY, which operates the Enzweiler Building Institute. “Sam stood out because he is already so advanced in his career and is so enthusiastic about the opportunities available in the skilled trades.”

In addition, Tony Hoekstra of Fort Thomas was named Instructor of the Year. Hoekstra has taught the heating and air conditioning program at the Institute for the past 10 years. He is a service technician at Schneller & Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating and Air. Hoekstra was selected for his creativity in the classroom and his passion for professionalism in the HVAC field.

The graduation address was delivered by Deputy Secretary Mike Nemes of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Nemes applauded the graduates for their accomplishments and noted how critical they are to the workforce in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Republic Bank was the graduation sponsor for the evening.

Since 1967, the Enzweiler Building Institute has been operated by the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky to provide training in the skilled construction trades.

The mission of the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky is to promote and enhance the integrity and visibility of the construction industry and the members of the organization through advocacy, communication, education and political action.