In an industry that is constantly conscious of its reputation, it’s nice to see when events in metalcasting appear in national, large-scale news outlets. Even nicer when the event involves the younger generation sparking interest as future casters. The icing on the cake: an AFS Chapter picking up on that spark and working to keep it going.

Recently, Calera High School Engineering Academy pre-engineering teacher Brian Copes was chosen by PEOPLE Magazine as one of five teachers of the year, for the spark he’s ignited among his students. In the classroom, Copes inspires his students to create. Under his direction, they created prosthetic legs from used car parts and even traveled to Honduras to fit amputees with the legs. Another trip is in the works for this summer. Check out PEOPLE Magazine’s article and video on Brian Copes! (begins at 3:24).

The AFS Birmingham Chapter also recently donated a metalcasting kit (Foundry-in-a-Box) to Calera High School, providing students with everything from safety equipment and melting units to crucibles and patterns. Working with local metalcasting facilities, these students have already designed and produced their own castings. With their Foundry-in-a-Box, students can work through each part of the metalcasting process in the comfort of their own classroom.

A big pat on the back to Brian Copes and the AFS Birmingham Chapter for rising above and helping to mold the future generation of metalcasters.