Hunter Russell is the first Green Mountain Technology and Career Center (GMTCC) and Craftsbury Academy student to receive Vermont Natural Coatings' professional floor training scholarship.

Hunter Russell, a junior at Green Mountain Technology and Career Center (GMTCC) and Craftsbury Academy, has completed Vermont Natural Coatings’ Sand & Finish seminar for professional flooring contractors.

“Hunter did an amazing job and seemed right at home among the professionals from Vermont and throughout the Northeastern U.S. and Canada that made up the class,” said Andrew Meyer, founder and president of Vermont Natural Coatings. “He was exposed to the very latest technology used in sanding and finishing floors and made connections that very well could result in a summer apprenticeship program.”

According to Meyer, the training facility was designed and installed under the supervision of Bob Goldstein, Vermont Natural Coatings' professional floor sales and technical advisor. A National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) certified inspector, installer and sand and finisher, Goldstein led the training session. In addition to Goldstein, instructors included Greg Mihaich, a second generation contractor with more than 30 years industry experience. He is NWWACP certified in installation and sand and finish and is the application engineer for Norton Abrasives.

Attendees earned NWFA credits for proper sanding techniques for various wood species, select finishing techniques that will yield top-quality results and the correct use, maintenance and repair of professional application equipment.

GMTCC serves students from Craftsbury Academy, Hazen Union School, Lamoille Union High School, Peoples Academy, Stowe High School and Lamoille North Supervisory Union. 

For more information, visit vermontnaturalcoatings.com.