Each year Dry Stone Walling Across Canada sponsors the annual award for "Dedication to Traditional Stone Masonry Techniques" in its continuing support of the Algonquin College Masonry Heritage Tradition and Techniques Program.
It seems to me, by avoiding pressure to become 'not for profit', this organization has been far more effective in encouraging up-and-coming masonry students (and walling enthusiasts) not just through award programs but also in the varied hands-on demonstration/training walling events it's held over the past twelve years, as well as providing more professional experience through job opportunities and permanent employment with DSWAC.
At the Algonquin College June convocation the "Dedication to Traditional Stone Masonry Techniques" Award along with a DSWAC Certificate was presented to Dylan Hansen.
Dylan has been an excellent student at the college and is highly regarded by his peers and masonry instructors. When Dylan and I spoke on the phone I was encouraged by his eagerness to get all the experience he could in every area of applied stone masonry, especially 'walls without mortar'. I am looking forward to having him come work with us soon.
