Scott Larson, a carpentry and construction teacher at the North Baldwin Center for Technology, was surprised with a $100,000 check for his program on Oct. 3.

Larson was named as one of five grand prize winners of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools for Teaching Excellence, a program started in 2017 by Eric Smidt, founder of the national tool retailer.

According to a press release, Larson teaches a broad curriculum covering everything from masonry, concrete, structure framing, roofing and roofing finishes, exterior and interior finishing and mechanical systems, with introductions to computer aided drafting (CAD), computer aided machining (CAM) and CNC technology.

"I like to create or build. Nothing is more satisfactory than the tangible result of seeing something I have created, built or improved. Few things are as rewarding as a client thanking me for a job well done," Larson said. "Every day on a job site the job is different, the challenges are new, and there are opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Teaching is equally rewarding, but instead of building a physical product, I am helping students build their future and a passion for creating and learning."

According to the release, over 90% of Larson's students who complete the program will go on to work in construction or a related field, postsecondary training or enlisting in the military.

About the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence
The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was started in 2017 by Eric Smidt, the founder of national tool retailer Harbor Freight Tools.

"The program aims to recognize outstanding instruction in the skilled trades in U.S. public high schools and the teachers who inspire students to learn skills to prepare for life after graduation," the release said.

This year, the program will award more than $7 million to more than 130 U.S. public high school teachers and their schools' programs. This year's prize drew more applications than ever, with more more than 1,000 applicants from all 50 states. Winners were selected by an independent panel of judges with expertise in career and technical education.