Shawn Wilkin '04 has been recognized for his strong commitment to community service throughout his time as a masonry instructor at the Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development Center.

Over the past 16 years, Wilkin and his students have done dozens of projects to improve their communities. The Clinton and Highland County Office of the American Red Cross has nominated Wilkin as a Hero for his support of non-profit and community organizations across the region.
 
Wilkin first gained experience in masonry about 40 years ago at the Laurel Oaks campus of Great Oaks, where he became part of the first graduating class in 1973. After graduating, he chose to pursue a career in masonry and worked in the field for more than 20 years. He was encouraged to further his education after being offered the opportunity to return to Laurel Oaks as a teacher. He earned his teaching certificate at Wright State University and received an Associate of Individualized Study from Hocking College. He spent a majority of his time at Hocking taking classes in the Construction Management Program focusing on carpentry.
 
Projects completed by Wilkin and his students include a veterans memorial, a foundation for Habitat for Humanity, and dugouts for community and high school baseball fields. He continues to lead and inspire his students to embrace their passion for the field and utilize their skills to help and evolve the area.